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Toxic waste returns from Brazil Toxic waste returns from Brazil
(1 day later)
Containers of hazardous waste alleged to have been illegally exported from the UK to Brazil are due back later. Containers of hazardous waste alleged to have been illegally exported from the UK to Brazil have arrived back at docks in Suffolk.
More than 70 of the 89 containers are expected at Felixstowe, Suffolk, on board the cargo ship MSC Serena, with more of the waste due at a later date. More than 70 of the 89 containers arrived at the port in Felixstowe on board the cargo ship MSC Serena, with more of the waste due at a later date.
A UK investigation has been launched into how 1,400 tonnes of toxic waste, said to include syringes and condoms, reached Brazil. The containers, said to include syringes and condoms, have to be fumigated before they can be examined.
Three men were arrested in raids in Swindon in July as part of the inquiry. Three men were arrested in Swindon in July in connection with the shipment.
The Environment Agency began its investigation after the waste was found by Brazilian officials in three of the country's ports over the past few months. The Environment Agency began an investigation after the waste was found by Brazilian officials in three of the country's ports over the past few months.
Andrew Higham, head of the Environment Agency's National Environment Crime Unit, was at the dockside to meet the ship.
He said the Brazilian authorities had told him the waste had been exported under the guise of recyclable plastic but actually contained hazardous and toxic waste.
We are not going to allow our waste to be dumped on developing countries Andrew HighamEnvironment AgencyWe are not going to allow our waste to be dumped on developing countries Andrew HighamEnvironment Agency
When the containers arrive back in the UK later, the agency said it would fumigate them before carrying out a full investigation of their contents.
The waste will then be dealt with by an appointed contractor.
Earlier this month, officers from the agency's National Environmental Crime Team, along with Wiltshire Police, raided premises in Swindon.Earlier this month, officers from the agency's National Environmental Crime Team, along with Wiltshire Police, raided premises in Swindon.
The three arrested men, aged 24, 28 and 49, were bailed until the end of October.The three arrested men, aged 24, 28 and 49, were bailed until the end of October.
Andrew Higham, head of the Environment Agency's National Environment Crime Unit, said the illegal export of waste was treated extremely seriously. Mr Higham said the illegal export of waste was treated extremely seriously.
"The United Kingdom has taken a strong global lead to stamp out the illegal waste trade, in order to protect people and the environment," he said."The United Kingdom has taken a strong global lead to stamp out the illegal waste trade, in order to protect people and the environment," he said.
"We are not going to allow our waste to be dumped on developing countries.""We are not going to allow our waste to be dumped on developing countries."
Waste can be sent abroad for recycling, but not for disposal.Waste can be sent abroad for recycling, but not for disposal.
The maximum penalty for exporting waste illegally is an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.The maximum penalty for exporting waste illegally is an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.