Illegal quarrying resumes in Tongxiao; two arrested, machinery seized

Police in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan, have once again intervened in an illegal quarrying operation, arresting two workers and seizing nine heavy machinery units. The site, located near the Nanhua community, had previously been flagged in April for the illegal dumping of waste soil and stones. Despite ongoing investigations into that incident, the operators have resumed activities, allegedly under the guise of clearing and restoring land.

Responding to a tip on July 7, authorities, accompanied by county and town officials, arrived at the scene to find individuals operating excavators and screening machines. Work was immediately halted, and the identities of the workers and the site's owner were verified. This latest action comes as the area faces the approaching typhoon season, raising concerns about potential hazards and further environmental degradation.

The ongoing illegal activities involve excavating and screening gravel, which authorities suspect constitutes the unlawful appropriation of land resources. This is in addition to the previous violations of improper soil and stone disposal. The repeated offenses and disregard for environmental regulations have prompted a swift response from law enforcement.

To prevent further harm and ensure compliance, police have confiscated seven excavators, one gravel screening machine, and one crushing machine. These seized tools have been moved to police storage facilities in Miaoli and Zhunan for safekeeping. The case has been reported to prosecutors, with the two arrested individuals facing charges related to illegal land resource extraction and potential environmental endangerment.