Operation Demeter: tracking illegal shipments of hazardous waste

Between March and May 2009, Customs administrations from 64 countries launched Operation Demeter targeting the illicit cross-border shipment of hazardous and other waste en route from Europe to countries in the Asia/ Pacific region and Africa. This joint global Customs initiative netted more than 36,000 tons and 1,700 pieces of illegal hazardous waste in 57 seizures, ranging from household waste and scraps metal to discarded electronic goods and used vehicle parts.