Around 40 tonnes of pine cones, worth around 12,000 euros, were seized by the environmental protection branch of Loulé GNR from a property on December 12 and 13.
A GNR statement sent to the Algarve Resident said: “The collection, transport and storage of pine cones from this species (Pinus pinea) is illegal between April 1 and December 15.”
A vehicle used for the transportation of the cones was seized and three men aged between 45 and 60 were identified by the GNR as part of the operation.
