Albania stops smugglers of 230 ancient greek city Apollonia (Gylakea) artefacts

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Albanian police say they have prevented the smuggling of 230 archaeological artefacts from ancient Apollonia and have arrested two people.

A statement Sunday said pots, vases, parts of ceramic bottles and other artefacts were found at the arrested men's houses in Radostine, a village 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of the capital, Tirana. It says the artefacts were "dug up at Apollonia National Park."

Police still are seeking two more people.

Artefacts from ancient Apollonia on display, in Radostine, Albania. Albanian police say they have prevented the smuggling of 230 artefacts from ancient Apollonia and have arrested two people adding that the artefacts were found at the arrested men's houses in Radostine, a village 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of the capital, Tirana 

All are charged with smuggling and theft of artworks of national importance, a felony that carries up to 15 years in jail.

Apollonia is an ancient Greek city of Illyria created in the 6th century BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth.

The city, which began to decline in the 3rd century AD and was abandoned by the end of Late Antiquity.

It is located near Fier in modern Albania.