Authorities in Puglia seize illegal weapons and protected tortoises

Italian authorities in Bari have arrested a 38-year-old man following a search of his villa in Bitonto. During the operation, the Guardia di Finanza and local police seized a 7.65 caliber semi-automatic pistol without a serial number, along with 25 Parabellum cartridges.

In addition to the weapons, officials discovered six Hermanns tortoises in the property's garden. The animals, consisting of one adult female and five juveniles, were being held without the required CITES certification. The tortoises have been seized and transferred to a marine turtle recovery center in Molfetta.

The individual faces charges including illegal possession of clandestine weapons, ammunition, and receiving stolen goods. The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bari.