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Customs inspectors at the Allenby Crossing between Israel and Jordan apprehended smugglers who were hiding 53 ancient coins dating back to the 1st century BCE to the 13th century. Smuggled cargo was discovered in possession of a passenger in transit when a resident of Tulkarem (PA area) came from Jordan and instructed to move to a customs area for inspection.

The PA (Palestinian Authority) resident was instructed to remove everything from the vehicle and his pockets and after this was done, inspectors still visualized something of significant bulk. Another inspection of his coat revealed the coins in a bag. He was arrested and turned over to Shai Police and turned over to the authority of the Civil Administration.

An archeological official stated “The findings, we have seized 53 ancient coins, representing a cross section of regional history over 1,400 year from early Roman period from the first century to the period of the 13th century. I am pleased that once again inter-agency cooperation has prevented the theft of these historical items”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Allenby Customs)