Pozzuoli and Monte di Procida, tight controls for the May 1st long weekend: a flurry of fines

POZZUOLI – With the first rays of sunshine in May and the approaching summer season, the tourist resorts of the Phlegraean Fields are once again the primary target of police checks. Carabinieri officers from the Pozzuoli Company combed the roads between the Phlegraean Fields capital and Monte di Procida, popular destinations for family outings and sunset aperitifs. The results of the long weekend holiday season paint a picture of anything but tranquility: 165 people were identified, 90 vehicles were inspected, and 44 traffic violations were reported, for a total fine of nearly €19.700.

Not just traffic violations, but also incidents requiring criminal justice intervention. Five people were reported at large during checkpoints. Among them, a 27-year-old was found in possession of an 11-centimeter knife, while a 41-year-old was found concealing a blank-firing pistol without its red safety cap. A similar incident also involved two minors with no criminal record, stopped with a prop pistol without the required markings: all were charged with illegal possession of a weapon.

A peculiar case involved a 45-year-old woman who attempted a "bureaucratic" escape to cover up a traffic violation. Stopped by officers while driving, she provided false information, hoping to get away with it. However, the ruse was quickly discovered: the woman was attempting to conceal the fact that she was driving without ever having obtained a license. She was charged with forgery and heavily fined.

The operation, aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and the many tourists who flock to the coast, also led to two people being reported to the Prefecture for personal drug use. Carabinieri checks will continue in the coming weeks, with the aim of maintaining public order in view of the impending summer peak in visitors.