Europol announced on Wednesday that more than 330 individuals have been arrested across 70 countries as part of an operation targeting organized crime networks suspected of trafficking illegal waste within Europe and exporting it to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Authorities seized 127,149 metric tons of waste, 602 tons of pollutants, 75 tons of plant protection chemicals, 2.3 tons of mercury, and nearly €10 million (equivalent to $11.6 million) in cash and bank deposits.

Officials stated that the confiscated waste could have generated illegal profits of at least €31 million.

The Spanish Civil Guard, which participated in and co-led the operation, emphasized that illegal waste trafficking is a global issue operated through parallel criminal networks.

The agency noted that these criminal networks not only fraudulently handle urban and industrial waste but also systematically employ document fraud and forgery to transport hazardous materials, causing negative impacts on the environment and public health.

Spanish police had previously announced last year the arrest of an Italian criminal group suspected of smuggling over 40,000 tons of untreated urban waste from Italy into Spain. Exchange rate: $1 = €0.8627.