Objects Resembling Antiquities and Protected Animals Found in a House in Derince, Northern Cyprus

In Derince, Northern Cyprus, officers from the Crime Prevention Department conducted an operation and, during a search of the home of 48-year-old Z.P., seized numerous stone objects believed to be archaeological, as well as frozen protected animals. The search was carried out as part of an investigation, and the suspect has been detained.

Items found in the house include: 4 active stone millstones, 3 stone column fragments, 4 marble spheres, 1 marble column, 1 black part of a millstone, 1 stone watering trough, 2 water drains, 1 grooved millstone, 1 capital, 4 drilled ballast stones, another millstone, and 1 ring of a stone well slab. All items were seized as material evidence.

In addition, during the search, 22 frozen “dzikla” birds, 1 “turach” bird, and 1 “ova tavshany” specimen — all protected species — were found and confiscated. It was determined that 90 days had passed since the end of the hunting season. Z.P. was arrested, and the investigation continues. The authorities are examining the seized items to determine their archaeological status and clarify the circumstances of the offenses.