Albanian police have arrested two individuals for removing gravel from the riverbed of the Vjosa.
The Vjosa is a protected area and is the last wild river in Europe. Environmental campaigners have been calling for it to be designated as a National Park for several years. So far, the authorities have refused and have categorised it as a nature park instead.
Authorities announced they were charged with the criminal offences of damage to habitats in environmentally protected areas and excercise of illegal commercial activity. Two trucks and a digger that were used to remove the gravel from the site were also seized.
The individuals are aged 25 years old, resident in Fier, and 46 years, resident in Mallakaster.
“The Fier Police Directorate appeals to all citizens not to attempt to commit environmental crimes, such as illegal construction, illegal logging, air pollution, water pollution or any other crime, as they will face the force of law,” the police notification reads.
