Polish customs officials have intercepted two hazardous waste shipments near the Lithuanian border. The trucks were transporting dangerous materials without the necessary permits or notifications, leading to severe financial penalties and a legal investigation.
Hazardous Waste from Lithuania
Two trucks were stopped for inspection near Budzisko, Poland, carrying used car parts, damaged vehicles, and burnt machinery from Lithuania. According to Maciej Czarnecki, a spokesperson for the local customs office, both shipments lacked the required documentation under the SENT (Electronic Transport Monitoring System) regulations.
Officials from the Regional Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (WIOŚ) classified the transported goods as hazardous waste, which requires special permits to enter Poland. The drivers of both trucks failed to provide the necessary SENT notification and permits. Fines of up to 32,000 PLN are expected for the transport violations.
Ongoing Legal Investigation
The Suwałki District Prosecutor’s Office is now investigating these cases as potential illegal waste import crimes. If convicted, the transporters face up to 10 years in prison for violating Polish environmental laws.