Iraq's security forces have thwarted a large-scale smuggling operation of antiquities worth tens of millions of dollars, the Military Intelligence Directorate said Tuesday (March 13th).

"In co-operation with the Economic Security Department in Wasit province, the Military Intelligence infiltrated an antiquities smuggling gang and thwarted the largest antiquities smuggling operation," the directorate said in a statement.

The smugglers were besieged in al-Namaniya district and arrested in a "carefully-planned ambush", it said, adding that two vehicles in their possession were seized.

The vehicles contained "a number of rare artifacts, including 22 rare statues dating back to ancient eras, six pieces of precious and rare stone (meteorite), and four coins bearing ancient inscriptions", it added.

"Antiquities experts estimate the value of smuggled pieces to be worth tens of millions of dollars, while others say they are priceless," the statement said.

The smugglers have been referred to the judiciary according to the provisions of article 44 of the penal code and Antiquities Law No. 55 of 2002, it said.