see also: in April 2003:   CBP Inspectors Seize Marijuana Load Valued at Over $3 Million at Blaine, WA, Port of Entry   Cache of Narcotics, Undocumented Aliens Interdicted Near Beach $30,000,000 of cocaine, 25 undocumented aliens interdicted in two separate landings (pdf - 96 KB.)   "Crazy Joe" Nominated for "Paws to Recognize - A Salute to Canine World Heroes"   Murder Suspect Arrested by Border Patrol Agents discover victim’s body hours after arrest (pdf - 99 KB.)   Border Patrol Alerts Community of Smuggling Tactics (pdf - 15 KB.)   Binational Safety Initiative Gains Momentum U.S. and Mexico Combine Efforts to Make Borders Safe (pdf - 13 KB.)   CBP Inspectors in Laredo Seize 5,090 Pounds of Marijuana ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases   Prohibited and Restricted Items

contacts for this news release

Washington, D.C.--Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today instructed his inspectors and Border Patrol agents to be on the lookout for looted Iraqi art and antiquities that might be on the way to the U.S. black-market. Customs and Border Protection has a long history of seizing and returning priceless cultural treasures to the people of the country from whom they were stolen. More than $30 million worth of art and artifacts has been returned to its rightful owners over the past several years.

"CBP will do its part here at home for the Administration and its policy to rebuild Iraq," stated CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. "It is important that we work with the new leaders of Iraq to preserve their cultural heritage. Over the years we have returned millions of dollars in stolen art and antiquities to their lawful owners and we must work to ensure that none of the looted Iraqi historical pieces make their way into the domestic black-market. Although I have no specific intelligence that illegitimate collectors in the U.S. are trying to purchase these treasures, I have requested photos and descriptions of the missing Iraqi National Museum pieces and I will make them available as soon as I obtain them."

CBP officers will be on the lookout for any of the 50,000 items known to be missing from the museum in Baghdad. These items are said to include some of the first art and writings known to history, a 5,000 year-old solid gold harp, 4,000-year old gold necklaces and bracelets, and various stone and ivory carvings said to have been created between 2,000 and 5,000 years ago.

CBP has the authority to seize genuine artifacts that belong to a foreign country. As a general rule, under the U.S. National Stolen Property Act, one cannot have legal title to art/artifacts/antiquities that were stolen, no matter how many times such items may have changed hands. Articles of stolen cultural property originating in any of the countries party to the 1970 UNESCO Convention specifically may not be imported into the United States. Individuals should make sure to have documentation, such as export permits and receipts, although these do not confer ownership.