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3 human skulls seized at Indonesian airport

Customs officers find skulls packed in separate boxes labeled as handicrafts

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updated 1:33 p.m. ET May 1, 2008

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Three humans skulls being sent to Britain were seized at Indonesia's international airport, a customs officer said Thursday.

The sponge-wrapped skulls were packed in separate boxes and labeled as handicrafts, said Eko Darmanto, chief of customs at Jakarta's airport. Two were intricately carved or decorated and the third remained in its original form.

"Police are investigating a possible crime," he told reporters, adding that the skulls originated from Bali island and were destined for Yorkshire via air courier.

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Indonesia's criminal code says anyone who intentionally digs or moves human remains from a grave for sale or collection faces up to 14 months in jail.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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