Moroccan Police Arrest six People Trafficking Historical Objects

In Morocco, the National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ) and Oujda’s Prefectural Police Department arrested six individuals in connection with crimes of artefact trafficking and artefact hunting (Moroccan Police Arrest 6 People Trafficking Historical Objects  Morocco World News - Nov 21, 2018 )

The police seized 128 ancient silver coins, 17 plastic bags filled with lead and copper, equipments used for excavating and melting objects, and a sum of MAD 359,700 that the suspects were in possession of, reported the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN). The suspects are currently undergoing police investigation. According to law 22.80 on the protection and preservation of Morocco’s cultural heritage, including historical buildings, antiques, and inscriptions, researchers who wish to explore must request authorization at least six months in advance. As for the excavation of archeological sites, Morocco’s Ministry of Culture and Communication stressed in September that researchers must request government permission before excavating archeological sites.