Two men arrested and charged with felony illegal dumping in Northwest Miami-Dade

Two men were arrested and charged with felony illegal dumping after an investigation by the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management’s (DSWM) Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

The investigation began when an SIU investigator witnessed alleged dumping of construction debris on surveillance cameras, near NW 74th Street and NW 12th Avenue. To gather more evidence, the investigator set up a mobile camera, which captured the vehicle’s license plate. Tracking the driver, investigators later observed the truck returning loaded with trash. Through surveillance, investigators caught the driver and a passenger dumping the debris.

Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) officers arrived at the scene, detained the suspects, and measured the dump site at 120 cubic feet, qualifying the violation as a felony. Following the arrest, the driver confessed to six additional dumping incidents, resulting in six citations, each costing $250 plus a $10 surcharge.

“Illegal dumping is a serious crime that harms our environment and comes with heavy penalties,” said Aneisha Daniel, PhD, DSWM Director. “We all have a role in protecting our community.”

In 2023, Miami-Dade spent nearly $1.7 million on illegal dumping enforcement and cleanup. Residents are reminded that illegal dumping can lead to fines, vehicle seizures, arrest and even incarceration.

Miami-Dade residents who witness illegal dumping in progress should call 911. Never confront someone who is illegally dumping. Instead try to note the vehicle’s license plate or description. For past illegal dumping incidents, contact 311 or report through the free MDC Solid Waste mobile app, available on iTunes and Google Play.

For more information on illegal dumping, visit miamidade.gov/illegaldumping.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos and video of the alleged illegal dumping incident can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MoxU_SlQy0zNvH8PejuOudVwAMA0voF1?usp=sharing