Ancient Statues returning to India

An illegal shipment of six ancient religious statues seized by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is to be returned to India. Staff at Heathrow airport confiscated the statues in August 2005 after suspicions were raised over the nature of a shipment arriving from India.

Experts at the British Museum confirmed that the statues, which depict both Hindu and Buddhist deities, date to between the 7th and 11th Centuries A.D. The sculptures have been held for safekeeping at the British Museum since their seizure.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, John Healey MP said: