2019

Dangerous Historical Evidence Found in a Forest in Latgale

An employee of JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) found a charge of about 20 kilograms in a forest in Daugavpils Municipality between Lake Svente and the Lithuanian border. The dangerous find was reported to the police and sappers. Already judging from a photograph the sappers could say that the charge could be unstable and had to be neutralized locally in the forest.

“The “black archeologists” most likely left it in the forest, thus posing a threat to other forest visitors and residents. If similar items are found, please be responsible and do not touch them, but report immediately to the responsible services,” says Artis Liepiņš, South Latgale Region Planning Manager.

Post-war ammunition is not a rarity in Latvia, especially in areas where battles have taken place or trenches and support positions have been formed. Also in Viesīte Municipality, in a forest near Lake Pikstere, “black archeologists” made illegal excavations this summer and found World War I trench sites.

Searching for hidden treasure is prohibited in state forests, except for archaeological research, which must be authorized by the State Heritage Board. Searching for fallen soldiers is only permitted with the joint approval of the Brethren Cemetery Committee, the respective local government and LVM. Any charges found must be reported to the State Police, who engage the National Guard to deactivate the charge.