The Nature Protection Detachment (Deprona) of Timanfaya of the Civil Guard has recovered three ceramic pieces belonging to several Roman amphorae, exhibited in tourist accommodation, and its owner has been reported for an administrative infraction of Law 4/1999, of March 15, on Historical Heritage of the Canary Islands.
After several inspections to avoid the illegal trafficking of archaeological objects, the SEPRONA agents found out that in a certain business in the municipality of Tías ceramic pieces of presumed Roman origin, with more than 1,800 years old, were exhibited.
In this way, on March 16, the SEPRONA went to the place in question and verified that the person in charge of the establishment lacked all documentation that protected the legal possession of said ceramic pieces, so given the illegal origin of the same and that that person had not communicated said discovery at any time, the pieces are seized and the administrative complaint is filed - for infraction of the aforementioned Law 4/1999, article 96, section 2 i - of that person.
Transfer to the Cabildo and sanctions
Finally, the pieces were seized and deposited in the Archaeological Fund of the Cabildo of Lanzarote for a better study and assessment of the same. Law 4/1999 on Historical Heritage foresees different sanctions for acts that damage or harm historical and archaeological assets and objects, which are mostly fines that can reach up to 600,000 euros; in this specific case, the regulations establish fines from 3,001 to 150,000 euros.
Looting or damage to archaeological sites
As a result of the first investigations carried out by the agents, presumably the origin of the aforementioned ceramic pieces is from the archaeological site - of Roman origin - of the island of Lobos.
Based on article 323 of the Penal Code, he or those who cause damage - or acts of looting - to assets of historical, artistic, scientific, cultural or monumental value, or in archaeological sites (terrestrial or underwater), face prison sentences of six months to three years or a fine of twelve to twenty-four months.
