NYN | News
Customs officers at Sana’a International Airport, in cooperation with security agencies, managed on Wednesday to foil an attempt to smuggle two archaeological artifacts that were in the possession of a United Nations employee shortly before his departure to Djibouti.
According to a statement posted by the Customs and Tax Authority on its official Facebook page, the seized items were two ancient statues that had been carefully concealed inside the UN staff member’s personal luggage in an attempt to smuggle them aboard the UN flight bound for Djibouti. However, the alertness of the customs officers thwarted the operation.
The authority confirmed that the two artifacts were confiscated and secured in accordance with legal procedures, ensuring the preservation and protection of the country’s national heritage from tampering and smuggling.
For his part, Nizar Al-Asimi, Director of Passenger Customs at Sana’a Airport, praised the efficiency and readiness of customs officers in the departure hall, noting that this achievement reflects their ongoing commitment to protecting Yemen’s cultural and historical legacy.
Al-Asimi added that the Customs Authority, through its nationwide centers, serves as the first line of defense against smuggling operations—whether involving prohibited or restricted goods—in coordination with security and regulatory bodies, and in accordance with the Customs Law and applicable regulations.
