Afghan traveler intercepted smuggling 2nd Century BC relics at West Kowloon Station 

An Afghan traveler was intercepted at the Mainland Port Area of West Kowloon Station on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 11 stone and metal artifacts dating as far back as the 2nd century BC, customs authorities said.

According to a notice issued by the General Administration of Customs, the passenger failed to declare any items while passing through the customs area as he was departing from West Kowloon Station.

An X-ray scan of his carry-on luggage revealed irregularities, prompting a physical inspection. Customs officers subsequently discovered 11 suspected cultural relic items or sets concealed inside the suitcase.

Following appraisal by the relevant cultural relics authority in Guangdong Province, the items were identified as stone and metal artifacts dating from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. All were classified as prohibited items for export.

The seized objects included silver coins, stone plaque ornaments, silver bracelets with double ram-head terminals, gold earrings, a gold foil piece, a small gold-coated crystal reliquary stupa, a gold ring, a bronze Buddha statue, a bronze standing Buddha figure, a fragmented stone lotus pedestal, and a stone-carved cosmetic tray with figurative patterns.

Customs authorities reminded the public that under the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics, all cultural relics intended for export must undergo inspection by agencies designated by cultural authorities under the State Council.

Only relics approved for export and issued with an export permit may be taken out of the country through designated ports.

Customs stressed that any organization or individual transporting, mailing, or carrying cultural relics out of the country must declare them, and clearance will be granted only upon presentation of a valid export permit.