Libya thwarts attempt to smuggle 580 silver Roman pieces

A security force of the Libyan Government of National Accord today seized 580 antique silver pieces, dating back to the Roman era, at Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli.

In a statement, the RADA Special Deterrence Forces which are affiliated to the Ministry of the Interior of the GNA said the silver pieces were in the possession of a Libyan citizen, who was not named, and were seized by the security personnel of the airport during an inspection.

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“The detainee was handed over to the special deterrence forces,” the statement said. According to preliminary investigations, the Libyan citizen admitted the smuggling of antiquities and selling them abroad, more than once, without mentioning the details of the other smuggling operations.

According to the Local Department of Libyan Antiquities, archaeological sites in different areas of the country are subjected to unprecedented looting due to the security and administrative chaos witnessed by the country. Libya lived under Roman rule from 146 BC until 670 AD.