It is illegal to use metal detectors in Portugal, as 11 Spaniards have found out after they were stopped by GNR coastal patrols from Vila Real de Santo António.Teams were scanning eastern Algarve beaches in the hope of finding objects brought to, or closer to, the surface by the recent turbulent weather.
The metal detecting equipment has been confiscated as their owners needed special permission from the Cultural Directorate before using them, a permission that is extremely unlikely to be granted.
The GNR said that their actions, "resulted in the seizure of metal detectors, and 11 accusations have been drawn up."
The fines are substantial, up to €3,750 for individuals caught in the act. The equipment is not cheap, either, with the metal detectors seized having an estimated combined value of around €12,000.
The Spaniards were caught with the aid of Portugal’s SIVICC system (Sistema Integrado de Vigilância, Comando e Controlo) which is a series of fixed and mobile observation stations along Portugal’s coastline.
