Rome, Dec 30 (IANS/AKI) Police in Italy Friday carried out a pre-New Year’s Eve crackdown on illegal fireworks and seized four tonnes of explosives.
At least 367 kg of explosives were seized from a shop in Florence, while raids in Naples yielded around four tonnes of fireworks.
The nationwide police sweep came as Venice, Bari and Turin passed ordinances imposing fines of up to 500 euros for setting off fireworks.
Turin’s prohibition was in the name of dog and cat protection, Bari’s law was passed to safeguard ‘the safety of people and other living beings’, and the ban in Venice was to generically protect the peace.
In the days leading up to the holiday, police are raiding illegal factories and warehouses where fireworks are stored.
In Rome and Florence — the most celebrated Italian cities of art — the mayors have called for moderation.
–IANS/AKI
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