Casaluce– A targeted check turns into a major raid on environmental crime. The Marcianise Forestry Carabinieri unit put an end to the illegal activity of two individuals, caught red-handed while dumping waste in a Casaluce field.
An action that led not only to their complaint, but also to that of the landowner, caught in full contradiction.
It all started during a dynamic territorial patrol, specifically aimed at combating environmental crimes. While traveling along a country road that branches off from Provincial Road 46, the officers noticed a suspicious movement.
Two individuals were busy removing material from the back of a truck and dumping it on the ground, in the open air. Timely intervention allowed them to catch them in the act.
Waste and irregularities
An immediate inspection quickly revealed the extent of the crime. The vehicle, a truck, was found to be overflowing with a mixture of waste: grass clippings and prunings from private garden maintenance (classified as municipal waste) and grape marc, waste from grape processing (non-hazardous special waste).
The first very serious irregularity emerged immediately: the vehicle was not registered in the National Register of Environmental Managers, a fundamental requirement for transporting such materials.
But the most chilling surprise was what the military discovered on the ground. The freshly dumped waste (in this case, palm branches) was piling up on a thick, compact layer of ash.
According to the investigations, this is a clear sign of repeated waste burning in the past in that very area, estimated to cover approximately 50 square meters. A scenario reminiscent of the dramatic events of the "Land of Fires."
Upon arriving on site, the landowner was unable to prove his innocence, thus ending up in the crosshairs of the law along with the two workers. The Carabinieri then proceeded to preemptively seize the truck, still loaded with waste, and the entire contaminated area.
All three men were reported to the Judicial Authorities for the crimes of waste disposal and illegal waste management. But the consequences don't end there.
Enforcing the strict rules set forth in the "Terra dei Fuochi" decree, the military also ordered the vehicle owner's driving license to be revoked, with a suspension ranging from one to four months. This additional penalty severely affects those who use vehicles to commit environmental crimes.
This is a very complicated situation and, unfortunately, it happens frequently in many areas of the country. Inspections should be more frequent to prevent similar environmental crimes from recurring. I hope there will be greater attention.