Albania stops smugglers of 230 ancient Apollonia artefacts

Albanian police say they have prevented the smuggling of 230 archaeological artefacts from ancient Apollonia and have arrested two people.

Artefacts from ancient Apollonia on display, in Radostine, Albania. Albanian police say they have prevented the smuggling 
of 230 artefacts from ancient Apollonia and have arrested two people adding that the artefacts were found at the 
arrested men's houses in Radostine, a village 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of the capital, Tirana 
[Credit: Albania Police/AP]

A statement Sunday said pots, vases, parts of ceramic bottles and other artefacts were found at the arrested men's houses in Radostine, a village 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of the capital, Tirana. It says the artefacts were "dug up at Apollonia National Park."

Police still are seeking two more people.

Artefacts from ancient Apollonia on display, in Radostine, Albania. Albanian police say they have prevented the smuggling 
of 230 artefacts from ancient Apollonia and have arrested two people adding that the artefacts were found at the 
arrested men's houses in Radostine, a village 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of the capital, Tirana 
[Credit: Albania Police/AP]

All are charged with smuggling and theft of artworks of national importance, a felony that carries up to 15 years in jail.

Apollonia is an ancient Greek city in the lands of the Illyrian tribes created in the 6th century BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth.

Artefacts from ancient Apollonia on display, in Radostine, Albania. Albanian police say they have prevented the smuggling 
of 230 artefacts from ancient Apollonia and have arrested two people adding that the artefacts were found at the 
arrested men's houses in Radostine, a village 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of the capital, Tirana 
[Credit: Albania Police/AP]

The city, which began to decline in the 3rd century AD and was abandoned by the end of Late Antiquity.

It is located near Fier in modern Albania.

Source: Associated Press [February 12, 2017]