Drug bust reveals illicit antiquities

Officers confiscated over 2 kilos of raw cannabis, 23 cannabis plants, precision scales as well and a wealth of ancient coins and objects, a metal detector almost 2,000 euros in cash and other items.

In the presence of a judicial official, police conducted a raid on the home of the 52-year-old in the municipality of Kameirou in Rhodes. A dog trained to locate narcotics discovered 8 sacks containing over 2 kilos of raw cannabis.

Police also uncovered :

• 3 cannabis plants ranging from 15 centimeters in height to nearl 2.5 meters which were being grown on the grounds of the residence.
• Numerous cannabis plant branches from a recent harvest
• Four containers with cannabis seeds.

What sets the case apart from a conventional cannabis bust was that the man also had in his possession numerous ancient artifacts. These were confiscated to be sent to the Ministry of Culture for further evaluation.

Specifically according to police the residence contained among other items 212 ancient coins, 30 musket balls, clay lamps and amphoras, various bronze items including a ring and a bracelet and other artifacts.

Given that police are also said to have confiscated a metal detector it appears that the man may have uncovered at least some of the items by himself, although at this point this is only speculation. The law in Greece requires any finds of ancient artifacts to be declared. Depending on the nature of the finds amateur discoverers of such items may be allowed to keep them if they are of little historical value or may be provided with a reward. 

A 48 year old man who is related to the 52-year-old was also arrested for the alleged possession of 18 grams of cannabis.