Nearly three quintals of sand, pebbles, and shells from Sardinian beaches were seized in the first nine months of 2026 by officials from the Customs and Monopolies Agency during checks carried out at Sardinian ports and airports.

Over 250 kilos of jewels of Sardinia's natural heritage were removed from the island's beaches and seabed by holidaymakers and tourists intent on taking them home as souvenirs.

"The quantity," the Customs Agency explains, "remains essentially in line with that recorded in 2025, when seizures totaled approximately 300 kilograms, confirming the maintenance of high control standards throughout the region."

"Particularly significant," ADM emphasizes, "is the data regarding the origin of the offenders: almost 75% of those identified were of foreign nationality , confirming the importance of supporting control activities with constant information and awareness-raising efforts aimed at visitors to the island."

"The data recorded in the first nine months of the year confirm the effectiveness of the control activities carried out at Sardinian airports, thanks in part to the constant synergy with other agencies operating in port and airport areas, such as the Guardia di Finanza, Border Police, and security agencies," commented ADM Sardinia Regional Director Gianluigi D'Urso. He added: "The phenomenon remains widespread, however, and requires joint reflection with other control agencies and the Sardinia Region on the most effective ways to combat it, especially given the significant prevalence of cases involving foreign tourists . The path forward is to further strengthen, in a coordinated manner, the entire cycle of prevention, control, and awareness."

(Unioneonline)

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