Thai authorities have seized nearly 15,000 tons of hazardous aluminum dross in a raid on two illegal factories in Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon provinces, police said on Tuesday.
A joint operation by the Department of Industrial Works, provincial industrial offices, highway police, and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division led to the discovery of the massive stockpile of industrial waste.
The raid was initiated following a routine highway patrol on August 10 when officers noticed a truck carrying numerous large sacks, suspected to contain industrial waste. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the truck was transporting aluminum dross, a hazardous byproduct of the aluminum smelting process.
The driver of the truck led authorities to a factory in Nakhon Pathom, where a significant quantity of aluminum dross was found stored in two warehouses. Subsequent investigations led to another factory in Samut Sakhon, where additional dross was discovered.
Both factories were operating without the required licenses, and authorities believe that the operations were controlled by Chinese nationals with Thai associates.
Aluminum dross is highly toxic and can pose serious health risks if not handled properly. The substance contains heavy metals that can contaminate soil and water sources.
The seized aluminum dross will be disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the illegal operations. (TNA)
