Toxic waste pile in Oxfordshire

As environmental crime in the UK has increased dramatically, it is now being labelled as the ‘new drug trade’. Toxic waste was illegally dumped near a river in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, alarming local authorities and environmental groups.

Investigations show that organized crime groups are taking advantage of poor law enforcement to illegally dump thousands of tons of household and industrial waste.

In July, the Environment Agency was alerted to suspicious activity at the site, but the criminals fled before the court could act in October.

The waste pile is just 10 meters from the River Cherwell, which could lead to serious pollution of the river and groundwater during heavy rains or floods. The incident demonstrates the laxity and procrastination of government agencies in waste management.

Environmental advocates have warned that the illegal dumping of waste is causing environmental damage while criminals are making huge profits.

They urged the government to quickly identify and prosecute illegal waste handlers and to enhance environmental agencies for quicker clean-up efforts.