IZMIR, Turkiye

At least 744 historical artifacts were seized in western Turkiye on Thursday, a security source said.

Acting on a tip-off that the artifacts would be smuggled, anti-smuggling police teams launched simultaneous operations across the Aegean Izmir province, said the source on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

During the operations, at least 744 historical artifacts, including rings, stamps as well as hundreds of coins, were seized.

Three suspects were also arrested during the operation.