Over 5 thousand historical artifact objects have been seized by Turkish police following an operation in country’s northwestern region, officials said Wednesday. The operation was carried out by Istanbul’s anti-smuggling crimes branch in Istanbul, Sivas, Balikesir, Tekirdag and Ankara according to Istanbul attorney general office.

According to officials, 11 suspects have been arrested over smuggling 5 thousand 829 pieces of historical artifacts. The objects are reportedly belong to the Roman – Byzantine period that include necklaces, chains, objects consisting of seals and figures from various civilizations, animal fossils and coins from the Byzantine and Roman periods.