(CNN) — A French tourist has been ordered to pay a €1,000 ($1,200) fine after attempting to fly out of Sardinia with more than four pounds of local sand in his luggage. The Italian island's idyllic white sand is protected, and tourists face fines and even jail time for removing it from local beachesAnyone who removes sand from the island's beaches could be fined as much as $3,550. Corpo ForestaleThe unnamed man was apprehended at Cagliari Elmas Airport on September 1 after he was found in possession of a bottle containing 4.4 pounds of sand. Related content Sardinia fines sand thieves up to $3,480Beaches with "incredible" colored, pink or very white sand are especially targeted, the spokesman added. Related content Italy fines tourists who hog beach spotsMembers of the public also contact the authorities if they see tourists plundering the sand.

Source: CNN September 07, 2020 15:33 UTC