Iranian Illegal Collectors Received Heavy Penalties

In the district of Başkale in Van, a penalty of 744,282 Turkish Liras was imposed on 2 Iranian citizens who illegally collected the rare protected plant species giant onion (Allium giganteum). Teams from the Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) 14th Van Regional Directorate and Çamlık Gendarmerie Station attached to the Başkale District Gendarmerie Command caught 2 Iranian nationals in their vehicle during a road check.

During the search, a large number of giant onion plants were found in 3 sacks in the trunk of the vehicle. It was determined that these plants were collected by damaging nature, and they were confiscated by the DKMP Gevaş Branch teams. The confiscated plants were delivered to Prof. Dr. Murat Ünal, Director of Van Flora Application and Research Center at Yüzüncü Yıl University, to be replanted.

A total administrative fine of 774,282 TL was imposed on the two Iranian citizens for the crime of damaging biodiversity.