950 Antiquities smuggling attempt foiled in 2008

The Gendarmerie brigade of Illizi, south of Algeria has foiled attempts to smuggle 965 antiquity pieces in 2008. The smugglers attempted to pass the objects through the international airport of Tiska in Djanet, south of Algeria.

• The annual report of the Gendarmerie says 366 valuable pieces were seized beginning of 2008 by the Gendarmerie section in charge of the fight against smuggling natural and cultural heritage of the Tassili region.
• According to the same report, most of these pieces were hidden inside tourists’ baggage on their way back home.
• Other 234 archaeological pieces have been seized during the same period. 84 preserved plants and 239 models of geological pieces as well as 50 kg of sand’s types put inside videotapes and mineral water boxes.
• Regional director of Illizi customs said these pieces, having historical value, were handed over the museum of Djibrine in Djanet.
• Same report said several attempts by foreign tourists to smuggle antics failed in Tassili, thanks to awareness by the Gendarmerie since 2005.