ROME – Dozens of people are facing fines of up to $3,650 for removing beach sand and shells from the Italian island of Sardinia, local media reported.
On Saturday, authorities said 41 individuals were reported for the theft of about 100 kilograms of items from beaches in separate incidents.
Sardinia’s famed white sand is treasured on the island and it is strictly forbidden to remove it.
The trade in Sardinian sand, pebbles, and shells was made illegal in 2017.
The fines imposed might seem heavy-handed, but for years islanders have complained about the theft of their natural assets.(BBC)
