He hoped to pass a normal checkpoint by showing a counterfeit document, with the illusion of going unnoticed, but the attempt failed in front of the Carabinieri controls. It is the most singular fact that emerged during the extraordinary patrolling services of the territory conducted over the weekend by the soldiers of the Soveria Mannelli Company, under the direction of the Provincial Command of Catanzaro.
The episode occurred along one of the main arteries in the area, where patrols were carrying out routine traffic checks. The soldiers ordered a small hatchback driven by a young man of just 18 to stop. When asked for documents, the boy casually showed a driving license which turned out to be completely fake.
The shortcut cost him dearly: he was immediately charged for use of a false document, accompanied by the administrative detention of the vehicle and a heavy fine for driving without a licence, which varies from 5,100 to 30,000 euros.
Dall’Arma also recalls how the legislation is particularly severe on this point, providing for arrest for up to one year and confiscation of the vehicle in the event of recidivism within the two-year period. The Army’s activity concerned not only the main road network and secondary roads, but went as far as monitoring rural areas and various abandoned farmhouses.
The overall balance of the operations shows important numbers for the safety of the area: in total, 76 people were identified and 61 vehicles subjected to checks. During the checks, 8 personal and vehicular searches were carried out, as well as 21 Highway Code fines for a total amount of 8,405 euros.