US customs seizes Egyptian artifacts at border

Homeland Security agents determined the sarcophagus-type objects were stolen Egyptian property

LAREDO, Texas (AP) — U.S. customs officers in Laredo have seized two stolen Egyptian sarcophagus-type artifacts and are working on getting them back to Egypt.

A Customs and Border Protection statement described the artifacts as painted with intricate faces and designs. A customs officer at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo initially examined the shipment listed as Egyptian sculptures. Homeland Security Investigations agents determined the artifacts weren’t travelling with required documentation and actually were Egyptian property.

The priceless objects will move through a government forfeiture process and eventually be returned to Egypt. No information was provided about who was shipping the objects or the possibility of criminal charges, and a customs spokesman didn’t return a call seeking comment.