Operation by the Forestry Carabinieri leads to the seizure of a quarry and seven trucks
The Altamura Forestry Carabinieri conducted an operation which led to the seizure of an abandoned quarry and seven trucks used for the illicit transport of waste. The area, of environmental value, is part of the Special Conservation Area of Alta Murgia.
A vast operation conducted by the Bari Forestry Carabinieri, with the support of the Alta Murgia National Park Carabinieri Department and the Altamura CC Company, led to the preventive seizure of a disused quarry and seven trucks used for the illicit transport of waste . The action was carried out following a decree issued by the GIP of the Court of Bari, at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigations, carried out by the CC Forestry Unit of Altamura, have highlighted serious indications of guilt for nine people, accused of environmental pollution, operation of illegal landfill, falsification of documents, illicit management and unauthorized mixing of waste. These illicit activities involved four companies and led to the dumping and landfilling of over 8,000 cubic meters of special waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous, in less than a year.
The seized area, covering approximately 9 hectares, is located within the “Alta Murgia” Special Conservation Area, included in the Natura 2000 Network, an area of particular environmental value. The illicit activities would have caused a significant deterioration of the environmental conditions of the site.
The companies involved were also accused of administrative crimes dependent on crimes envisaged by Legislative Decree 231/2001, which punishes legal entities for crimes committed in the interest of the entity.
The case is currently in the preliminary investigation phase and precautionary measures are being taken. The suspects will have the opportunity to be heard during the guarantee interrogation and will be able to defend themselves during the trial, where their possible guilt will be carefully assessed.
The Forestry Carabinieri continue to actively monitor the province of Bari to prevent and combat the various forms of illicit waste management, thus protecting the integrity of the environment and the value of the Apulian territory.
