A major inter-institutional operation is underway from the early hours of Tuesday in the Puente del Rey area, where authorities are working to curb environmental pollution and identify those responsible for dumping waste that ends up in the Río Abajo riverbed. The operation involves units from the National Police, Crowd Control, Traffic Police, Environmental Prosecutor's Office, Ministry of the Environment, and the Urban and Domestic Cleaning Authority. This intervention responds to a recurring annual problem: the accumulation of garbage in the area, which is washed away by rains and causes flooding in nearby communities. Authorities detailed that after tracking efforts and analyzing collected images, critical points were identified where waste is being illegally dumped. The Environmental Prosecutor's Office indicated that during previous proceedings, threats were recorded from organized criminal groups operating in the area, which forced the reinforcement of the operation with the presence of the National Police. The objective is to directly intervene in the pollution hotspots and ensure the safety of the personnel conducting the inspections. During the tour, authorities conducted inspections at recycling centers and businesses in the sector, where a large volume of bulky waste is handled. It was warned that establishments that do not comply with regulations may face sanctions, including closure. Additionally, individuals identified as responsible will be prosecuted for environmental crimes, which are punishable by imprisonment. The Deputy Director of the National Police, Francisco Castro, confirmed that the operation began in the early hours of the morning and that irregularities have already been detected, including sites where recycling was being carried out without permits and direct pollution of the river. He also stated that the possible presence of illicit activities, such as micro-trafficking in the area, is being investigated. Authorities maintain a presence in the area and do not rule out further actions in the coming hours, as inspections and evidence collection continue at this point, considered critical due to the accumulation of garbage and its environmental impact.
