• A pre-Columbian axe and several fossils belonging to the archaeological heritage of both Hispanic-American countries have been recovered.

• Following analyses carried out by scientific organizations and specialized museums, its authenticity has been confirmed and it will be returned through the embassies of Mexico and Ecuador in Spain.

November 11, 2025. The Risk Analysis Unit of the Bilbao airport Customs, made up of officials from the Tax Agency and agents of the Civil Guard, has intervened in two different actions various archaeological and paleontological assets that have been cataloged as historical heritage of Mexico and Ecuador. Once the authenticity of both findings was confirmed, and in coordination with the embassies of Mexico and Ecuador in Spain, diplomatic procedures have been initiated for the restitution of the cultural property to their countries of origin.

The first intervention took place at the beginning of August 2025, during a baggage check in the arrivals hall of Bilbao airport on a passenger arriving from Mexico via Madrid. In one of the suitcases inspected, the agents located five pieces of different sizes and shapes with petrified impressions of marine organisms, which raised suspicions due to their age and scientific value.

The passenger stated that he had acquired them in a Mexican town, without being able to provide the necessary documentation to prove their origin or the authorization for their export. Customs issued the corresponding receipt for the deposit of goods.

A query was sent to the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain for study and evaluation, which concluded that the fossils corresponded to geological formations in northwestern Mexico. Following this report, Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) officially announced that the pieces were part of Mexico's cultural heritage, requesting their return in accordance with the Cultural and Educational Cooperation Agreement between Mexico and Spain, which provides for collaboration between both countries to prevent the illegal trade of goods of historical or artistic value.

After receiving the report, proceedings were initiated for an alleged smuggling offense committed by the passenger.

The second action took place on August 10, when agents from the same unit proceeded to the physical inspection of the luggage of a passenger arriving from Madrid. After viewing it by 'X-rays', a stone object was detected which turned out to be a pre-Hispanic axe or hoe, weighing close to one kilo.

After the corresponding deposit and consultation with the General Subdirectorate of Registers and Documentation of Historical Heritage–Service of Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Goods, the Museum of America confirmed that the piece, valued at 3,000 euros, was part of the Ecuadorian archaeological heritage, specifically from the so-called Integration Period.

Due to the lack of documentation to support its export, a report was filed for an alleged administrative infraction of smuggling, and the piece was placed at the disposal of the Customs Authority.

Once the authenticity of both findings was confirmed, and in coordination with the embassies of Mexico and Ecuador in Spain, diplomatic procedures have been initiated for the restitution of the cultural property to their countries of origin.

The operation was carried out by agents from the Risk Analysis Unit of the Bilbao airport Customs, made up of officials from the Tax Agency and agents from the Civil Guard.

For more information, you can contact the Regional Customs and Excise Department. Basque Country at 944255058 or with the Civil Guard's OPC in Bizkaia, on the telephone numbers 605891575 / 647833082.