Authorities have discovered an illegal car repair workshop operating in the city centre of Tortosa, Baix Ebre, according to police officials. The establishment was repairing and maintaining motor vehicles without the required administrative documentation or the necessary controls for handling contaminated waste.
Officers from the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) of the Guardia Civil in Tarragona, working with the Tortosa Local Police, located the clandestine workshop. To avoid suspicion, those running the operation parked vehicles awaiting repair correctly on public roads and kept the premises' shutters closed.
During an inspection, agents found professional machinery inside, including hydraulic lifts, compressors, and levellers. They also found tools, vehicle parts, and four cars undergoing repair, according to police reports.
Repeat Offenders Identified
Investigations showed that the individuals responsible had previously been reported by Seprona for similar activities. These earlier incidents occurred in a Tortosa village at the end of 2023.
Despite these prior complaints, the illegal activity continued. The workshop generated hazardous waste, such as used industrial oils and solvents, without any control or traceability. This poses a risk to the local environment and public health.
Legal Action Taken
Several official complaints have been filed regarding these findings. The charges include operating without an activity licence, failing to comply with industrial safety regulations, and managing waste irregularly. The discovery highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to crack down on unlicensed businesses that disregard environmental and safety standards in Catalonia.
