The Ports Security Authority in Egypt announced that it had succeeded in foiling an attempt to smuggle 48 antique artefacts outside the country. The pieces date back to the Muhammad Ali era in the first half of the 19th century. Many of them are of European origin.
The antiques were concealed among food items that were being exported out of Egypt in a 40-feet container which was to be placed on a ship sailing to the US. The attempted smuggling was planned by Muhammad Y. M., 50, chairman of United Company for Food Industries. He case is now before Egypt’s prosecutor.
The 48 antiques include porcelain, metallic and wooden valuable historic pieces.