Customs: boom in currency seizures in Sardinian airports in 2021

In 2021 alone, the Customs and Monopolies Agency in Sardinia seized almost half a million undeclared euros at the island's airports, over 130 kilos of sand, pebbles and shells, as well as dangerous goods, non-compliant toys and 30 kilos of giant African snails.

"We work on various fronts throughout the year - said the director Roberto Chiara, illustrating the balance - After a calmer period linked to the pandemic of 2020, last year there were increases in all the sectors in which we operate".

The data on the fight against illicit currency trafficking is important, with checks carried out at the airports of Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia. In 2021, 20 violations were found with 466 thousand euros of undeclared currency, 83 thousand euros seized and 11 thousand euros of administrative fines.

Evaluating the results, according to Customs, in 2021 the undeclared currency intercepted in Sardinian airports more than tripled compared to 2020, when it amounted to only 153 thousand euros.

Increases were also noted in the issue of tax licenses for the energy sector which last year amounted to 194 (+ 68.7% compared to 2020); 735 licenses for the sale of alcohol instead (+ 5.3%).

With regard to environmental thefts, a total of 131 kilos of sand, shells and pebbles were seized between Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia, 16 disputed violations. In Alghero, in particular, 30 kilos of African giant snails were found.

THE NEWS - During the conference for the presentation of the results achieved, it was also announced that Sardinia now has its own regional management from the Customs and Monopolies Agency. In fact, until now there was only one direction Umbria, Sardinia and Tuscany.

"We can thus have a greater contact with the territory - said the director Chiara - And it is a very important thing for Sardinia, for its characteristics and its identity connotation. First, some important offices such as General Affairs are located in Florence, now I am in Cagliari and this will also facilitate the work of the officials ".

(Unioneonline / ss)