Egypt recovers smuggled artefact from UK auction Published duration 9 January 2019

image copyright Egypt Ministry of Antiquities image caption The archaeological item is said to be part of a tablet carving of Egyptian King Amenhotep I

An ancient Egyptian artefact illegally smuggled out of the country has been returned after being displayed at an auction hall in London, officials say.

It was retrieved following searches of international auction websites, Egypt's ministry of antiquities said.

Steps were then taken to stop the sale and withdraw the listing, the ministry added in a Facebook post.

It is not clear how or when the relic, a cartouche of King Amenhotep I, was originally smuggled out of the country.

The antiquities ministry worked with the Egyptian foreign ministry, Egypt's embassy in London and British authorities to recover the section of tablet, he said, adding that the embassy in London had received it last September.

image copyright Egypt Ministry of Antiquities image caption The artefact was displayed at the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, a popular tourist site

Egypt has stepped up efforts to stop the trafficking of its antiquities in recent years.

The country has warned that it will not co-operate with foreign museums in relation to exhibits on ancient Egyptian sites unless smuggled artefacts are returned.

The large block of fine white limestone will be on public view for the first time since it arrived in Scotland in 1872.

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