Bid to smuggle antiques thwarted

Egyptian police say they've foiled an attempt to smuggle antiques thought to be worth at least fifteen million dollars to the United States.

Items from various historical periods -- said to include a column from a Greek temple and chairs inlaid with ivory and mother of pearl -- were found hidden in a shipment of furniture about to leave the port of Alexandria.

A businessman has been detained by police.

Correspondents say Egypt has intensified efforts in recent years to curb trafficking in antiques.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service