More tourists have been punished for trying to take along sand, stones and seashells from Sardinian beaches upon return home - Italian press agency Ansa reported on Monday (August 8). Polish tourists were also on the list of culprits, Ansa said, quoting the local customs office. The illegal "souvenirs" were detected during airport security check.
Sardinian beaches are considered one the most beautiful in the whole world. For years now the local authorities have been strictly fighting against the mass theft of sand, seashells and stones from the island. These offences are treated as looting and devastation of natural environment, and are subject to severe penalties.
Sardinian authorities - in cooperation with environment protection groups have launched a public awareness campaign warning tourists against attempts to take home "souvenirs" from the local beaches. In order to carry out their mission, the authorities control tourists' luggage and still they find illegal items hidden in sacks, plastic bags and bottles, and suitcases.
On some of the most stunning beaches - which Sardinia is famous for - even a duty to thoroughly remove all sand from your clothes, shoes, towels and bags, so as not to take even the smallest grains with you.
Strict penalties for sand theft
In the last few days alone, the customs officers fron Alghero airport have confiscated 10 kg of sand, 7 kg of stones and 5 kg of seashells - all taken from the beaches in the north of the island.
Tourists from Poland were also on the list of culprits who tried to take illegal "souvenirs" home. Other sand-takers punished for their offence included travellers from Romania, Sweden, Spain, Serbia as well as Italy.
All those who were caught trying to take away the souvenirs have been ordered to pay fines ranging from 500 to 3,000 euros.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
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