Authorities in Preveza, Greece, have arrested three individuals and filed charges against 12 more following the illegal transport and disposal of over 200 tons of animal waste near the Louros River. The waste, originating from a damaged facility in Corfu, included meat, fish, packaged animal products, plastics, and other materials.

Illegal Transport and Burial

Eight trucks delivered the waste to a private site in Filippiada last Friday, where it was buried without any environmental permits or adherence to safety regulations. Police confirmed that a 28-year-old, acting under the orders of a 40-year-old company owner, coordinated the transfer, with a 64-year-old manager and a 57-year-old administrator overseeing the burial process.

The disposal site, located adjacent to the Louros River, is under continuous police surveillance. Officials warn that the proximity to the waterway poses significant environmental risks, potentially affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

Official Response

The Municipality of Ziros issued a statement emphasizing that it had no involvement or prior knowledge of the waste transfer. Local authorities, including the Northern Greece Environmental Inspectorate and the Regional Unit of Preveza, have conducted inspections of the site.

The municipality also expressed serious concern over the intense odor affecting nearby communities and called for immediate removal and safe disposal of the waste to protect public health and the environment.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigators are working to determine who authorized and executed the transfer, given the site’s location near the environmentally sensitive Louros River. The municipality confirmed it would explore all legal avenues to safeguard local residents’ rights and health.

The illegal waste includes not only decomposing organic material but also debris from the Gogaki factory in Corfu, which was nearly destroyed by fire just 12 days ago. Residents continue to report an unbearable stench in the area.