An operation carried out by the Environmental Performance Verification Directorate (DIVEDA) of the Ministry of the Environment (MiAMBIENTE) in the areas adjacent to the Cerro Patacón landfill resulted in the apprehension of five people and the detention of two dump trucks. During the action, the detainees were caught red-handed while illegally disposing of waste in a clandestine landfill. The operation, coordinated with the Environmental Prosecutor's Office, was executed after confirming the illicit activity in the area. MiAMBIENTE, as part of its permanent surveillance actions, seeks to mitigate practices that affect public health and contribute to the increase of pollutant emissions in the region. José Delgado, head of the Environmental Risks Department, explained that in addition to the intervention at the landfill, two nearby recycling plants were also inspected. At these points, the documentation and waste management were verified, ensuring they had the necessary permits to operate legally. MiAMBIENTE warned about the dangers of burning waste, which generates toxic gases, increases the risk of fires, deteriorates air quality, and severely affects the health of people with respiratory diseases, especially in nearby communities.
