Dartford Borough Council and Kent Police have locked horns with illegal waste carriers – and won. Two men caught transporting scrap metal without licences face hefty fines after joint operations this year.
Scrap Metal Scandal: Two Men Caught Red-Handed
Armando Grecu, 26, from Ilford, was nabbed outside Mead Road shops in Dartford on May 14 during Op Assist. Driving a vehicle loaded with scrap metal, Grecu had no waste carrier’s licence.
Last Friday (November 21), he was slapped with a £300 fine, a £120 victim surcharge, and £701 in costs – a total bombshell of £1,121.
Valerica Cismaru, 52, from Erith, faced the same fate after being stopped in Barfield, Sutton at Hone on February 12 during an earlier operation. Convicted at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court, Cismaru was fined £420 for illegally carrying waste.
Council and Police Send Warning to Rogue Waste Carriers
Council leader Jeremy Kite didn’t mince words: “If someone takes your scrap for disposal, always check for a waste carriers licence. It’s crucial to ensure waste is dealt with properly, protecting the environment and supporting legitimate local businesses.”
He added, “Op Assist is a strong partnership with Kent Police and we expect more results like this going forward.”
Police Tough on Environmental Crime
Police Sergeant Molly Irwin from Kent Police weighed in: “Targeting illegal waste carriers helps prevent fly-tipping and protects our environment. These crimes damage our countryside, hurt local communities, and undercut lawful businesses.”
“By cracking down on offenders, we’re sending a clear message that environmental crime won’t be tolerated.”
