The Guardia Civil has launched an investigation into seven individuals suspected of illegal waste dumping and burning in urban areas between Sevilla and Alcalá de Guadaíra. This area has reportedly transformed into a large illegal landfill over the past few years, with uncontrolled burning creating substantial smoke and posing serious health risks to nearby residents.

Authorities from the Service for the Protection of Nature begun their investigation last year after noticing a significant uptick in the size of the illegal landfill situated in an environmentally degraded zone. Evidence gathered so far indicates that there was a clandestine waste management network operating outside sanctioned channels.

The individuals in question are believed to have collected various types of waste from different locations in exchange for payment, acting either as private individuals or on behalf of businesses. Upon arrival at the affected area, they stored the waste indiscriminately on-site, or in some cases, incinerated it to free up space, as well as to extract valuable materials such as metals from electrical components and used tyres for the sake of profit.

Such practices raised alarming risks of combustion, unsanitary conditions, and soil and water contamination, as well as air pollution due to harmful gases generated from burning toxic materials or organic decomposition. The investigation not only highlights serious environmental impact but also poses a public health threat to local residents. Currently, seven individuals are under investigation, with further identifications expected in the coming months.