A mummy was found at the Cairo airport

Smuggling is definitely not something that customs officials are unaware of. They usually find all sorts of strange contraband being smuggled in people’s suitcases, like roast pigs, giant millipedes, or even birds stuffed in hair rollers.

But customs agents in Cairo managed to intercept something a bit more on the macabre side, but also very valuable.

Pieces from two different mummies found in the Cairo airport

According to The New York Times, security officials at Cairo International Airport found mummified human body parts that were concealed in a hollowed-out speaker. There were six pieces belonging to two different mummies: two feet and lower legs, two hands plus forearms, an upper arm, and part of a torso.

The parts were examined and confirmed by experts to be parts from ancient mummies, according to Egypt Today.

The mummy parts were discovered as the speaker went through x-ray scanners, on its way to a flight to Belgium. We don’t have any information as to what will happen to the smuggler, like what charges he might be facing.

Smuggling artifacts is punishable with money and even prison time

According to Live Science, all ancient artifacts, including mummified body parts, that originated in Egypt are government property, which means private ownership of these artifacts is prohibited by law. In addition, attempting to trade, smuggle or sell artifacts is a severe offense, punishable by a fine of between 5.000 to 50.000 Egyptian pounds, as well as two years in prison.

Egypt is known for its rich history and valuable artifacts. According to the Antiquities Coalition, there have been 3 billion dollar losses because of thefts and trafficking of ancient artifacts since the 2011 Revolution in Egypt.

The parts are being transferred to the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo for restoration, Live Science reported. The New York Times added that Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities will have the items analyzed, examined, and preserved for further study.