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Greek authorities seize smuggled antiquities

Greek police say they have recovered more than 70 items "of great archaeological importance" after an anti-antiquities smuggling operation in the northern city of Thessaloniki.
/ Source: The Associated Press

Greek police say they have recovered more than 70 items "of great archaeological importance" after an anti-antiquities smuggling operation in the northern city of Thessaloniki.

The Culture Ministry said more than 70 items dating from the 6th century B.C. were recovered Thursday. They included gold masks, four helmets, a glass perfume bottle, small clay statues and part of a gold diadem and parts of an iron sword decorated with gold leaf.

Police said two people were arrested in the operation.

The confiscated items were transported to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, where they were viewed by Prime Minister George Papandreou and government ministers.