ATHENS, Greece, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Greek police say an anti-smuggling operation has seized antiquities including four helmets and gold funerary masks from the 6th century B.C.
Two arrests were made during the operation in Thessaloniki, the BBC reported Friday.
Among the 70 items recovered are pieces of a golden diadem and an iron sword decorated with gold leaf, typical of items often placed in the tombs of ancient Greek nobles, officials said.
The items, which also included a glass perfume vial, clay idols and metal vessels, have been taken to the National Archaeological Museum in the capital, Athens.
"We have an ongoing project to protect our cultural heritage and reclaim lost treasures," Citizen's Protection Minister Christos Papoutsis said.
Prime Minister George Papandreou called the anti-smuggling operation and arrests a "great success."
