A joint security force in Babylon Governorate managed to thwart an attempt to smuggle 80 artifacts dating back to different historical eras. A source in the force said, "Based on accurate information from the Intelligence Directorate, in cooperation with the Directorate of Combating Organized Crime and coordination with the judiciary, a security force was able to arrest two people who were trying to smuggle (80) artifacts of different sizes and shapes, in a tight ambush on the international highway south of Babylon Governorate." He added, "The police transferred the accused to the competent authorities, and the artifacts were referred to the Antiquities Inspectorate." Source: National Iraqi News Agency