BAMYAN CITY (SW): Two smugglers linked to relic smuggling network have been arrested in central Bamyan province by the National Directorate of Security (NDS).
They possessed a sophisticated Iranian relic detector, which has been confiscated by the NDS men. The security personnel have also seized a contract, which included the names of individuals involved in relic smuggling. The NDS has said that they would not reveal the names of the smugglers until the investigation is completed.
Mohammad Tahir Zohair, governor of Bamyan, has urged security organs, in particular the NDS to track the smugglers and arrest them.
“This relic detector device, which is made in Iran is a sophisticated and modern device”, he said.
One of the arrested smugglers, who did not wish to be named in the report claimed that he was not a smuggler. “One of my friends named Bashir handed over the device to me to take it to Bamyan. I am a farmer and an illiterate man. I think I have been fooled”, he said.
Residents in Bamiyan have long been complaining about illegal digging and smuggling from the province.
Mujtaba Mirzayee, a relic expert, expressed his concerns about smuggling in the province. He told Salam Watandar that the local government does not pay enough attention to the issue of illegal digging, and preservation of the ancient relics in the province. “One of the reasons why we do not have any written evidence about Bamyan’s past and civilization is largely due to such smuggling.” he said.
ENDS
