The suspects were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the trade and transportation of narcotic drugs, according to the General Directorate for Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in the country’s Ministry of Interior.
“A painting belonging to the international painter Picasso was seized in their possession, estimated at millions of dollars,” said Colonel Bilal Sobhi, director of the anti-narcotics media office, in a statement to the INA.
The raid which led to the discovery of the painting was part of the ministry’s ongoing security operations which began in July.
“The drug trade is linked to many crimes, including murder, theft, kidnapping, rape, gang formation, corruption and family disintegration, until it reaches the antiquities trade,” Bilal said.
Details about the painting, its ownership history and how it will be authenticated are yet to be released.
Picasso, who died in 1973, amassed an enormous body of work.
During his 78-year career, the Spanish artist completed an estimated 13,500 paintings and about 100,000 prints and engravings. He also created hundreds of sculptures and ceramics and about 34,000 illustrations.