Relics Smuggling Smashed in NW China City

A Japanese passenger has been detained for cultural relics trafficking in this capital of Shaanxi Province, according to local customs police.

The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, attempted to smuggle 33 cultural relics at the city's Xianyang International Airport, said a customs official.

The relics include a bronze pot, a bronze clock, wood carvings and a porcelain flowerpot.

The seized relics date back to the end of the Qing Dynasty ( 1644-1911), the official said, adding that 71 of the relics are classified as rare, and are therefore forbidden to be taken out of the country.

Over the past month, three relic smuggling cases have been uncovered in the city, seizing a total of 45 relics.



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