Israel finds artifacts hidden in Norwegian diplomatic car

JERUSALEM — Israeli authorities say they found ancient coins and artifacts hidden in the paneling of a diplomatic vehicle used by the Norwegian Embassy.

The Tax Authority said yesterday that the driver, from an Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem, was arrested for "suspected smuggling of ancient artifacts" at the end of May. He was later released on bail.

Artifacts including 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of ancient coins, statues and other items were found hidden in the Mercedes after a search.

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry says it takes the incident "very seriously." It says the car was a Norwegian diplomatic vehicle from its Representative Office to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

The ministry says it has initiated an "internal process" in addition to the Israeli investigation.