Man fined after being caught dumping drug-related waste

Diamond Elezaj, 34, from Lewin Terrace, London, pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal dumping of waste when he appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates Court on Wednesday 11 January 2023.

The court heard that on Thursday 17 February 2022, waste which comprised seven zipped laundry-style sacks containing empty plastic containers marked ‘rhizotonic’ and ‘ripening promoter,’ together with cannabis plant material and other packaging, was found dumped at Harehatch Lane, Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.

The offender was caught in the act after the crime was filmed on surveillance cameras operated by Buckinghamshire Council’s fly-tipping enforcement team. The cameras recorded the suspect’s vehicle arriving in broad daylight and the driver was filmed fly-tipping waste onto the ground.

The vehicle in the footage was traced back to a hire company in Uxbridge. It was later found to have been in the possession of Diamond Elezaj on the date of the offence. Mr Elezaj attended an interview at Staines Police Station, where he initially admitted to the offence of dumping the waste. However, as the interview continued, Mr Elezaj gave only ‘no comment’ answers, and refused to assist Buckinghamshire Council with its investigation.

In court, magistrates fined Elezaj £2,400 and ordered him to pay clean up and investigation costs of £1,247. A victim surcharge of £190 was also added – making a total to pay of £3,837.

Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment said: “The camera doesn’t lie and when we find evidence of anyone flagrantly fly-tipping in our county, we will do everything in our power to investigate and prosecute. There is no excuse for fly-tipping.”