The Local Police, the Autonomous Police, and the Civil Guard have enacted 25 infractions within the scope of a collaborative and scheduled control initiative being executed in Adeje to prevent illegal camping and settlement in unauthorised areas. The operation, coordinated by the Canarian Police, took place on Tuesday, February 18, at Diego Hernández Beach in Caleta.
The initiative is set to continue over the coming months, not only at this location within the municipality but also in other areas where camping or settlements have been noted without the necessary permissions.
This situation is related to an incident that occurred 18 days prior, on January 31, during a gathering that required the intervention of the Local Police along with the Civil Guard. The event, attended by approximately 60 to 70 people, was organised by a couple to commemorate a birthday from five in the afternoon.
Recognition and Sanctions
Via his Instagram profile, a DJ known as ‘Moto Moto’, who shared videos of the gathering and featured in the images, accepted responsibility for organising the event: “I take full responsibility for orchestrating this occasion. The next one will not be held on this beach, but rather on private property. It’s better for everyone.” He added, “I organise sober dance events, free from drugs or alcohol. We gather in the name of God, focusing on dancing and connecting, for both the young and the old,” he stated in his post.
The organisers face potential fines ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 euros for infractions related to activities prohibited in the natural spaces of Tenerife, as indicated by the Natural Environment sector of the Cabildo, whose environmental agents confirmed that no harm was done. They cleared up all the litter from the beach, leaving only traces of the fire.
Rising Infractions
In 2024, the Environmental Agents of the Cabildo de Tenerife initiated 906 cases for infractions in protected areas of the island, with the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Civil Guard recording 250 in the same timeframe, and the Autonomous Police investigating around one hundred.
The penalties for offenders vary based on the nature of the infraction. Starting a fire in a protected natural area, posing serious risks to safety, can result in a fine of up to 6,000 euros; Driving, stopping, or parking a vehicle (motorised or otherwise) off-road in a protected natural area is fined between 1,500 and 6,000 euros due to potential dangers for pedestrians; Organising a profit-making activity without permission incurs a fine of 600 euros; Camping in a restricted or prohibited area may attract a fine of 400 euros; Burning agricultural waste without authorisation carries a fine ranging from 700 to 1,000 euros, depending on fire risk, proximity to woodland, or monitoring; Hunting during closed seasons results in a fine of 1,000 euros; Violations of the public safety law lead to fines varying from 601 to 600,000 euros, depending on the seriousness and specific circumstances.
