Fly-tipper Steve Bouchard has been fined more than £2,000 after dumping a cannabis factory in a countryside beauty spot.
Bouchard was caught on CCTV tipping 200 bags of rubbish at three locations near Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales.
Most of the debris was from a dismantled cannabis factory.
It included plants fertiliser, soil, venting pipes and heat lamps.
Although Bouchard, 38, was a licenced waste carrier he was caught illegally dumping rubbish seven times.
South Wales Police and the local council investigated the offences.
Bouchard, from Pontypridd, was given a four-month suspended sentence at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court.
He was also ordered to pay more than £2,000 in fines and court costs.
Following the sentence, local councillor Ann Crimmings said:
“Fly-tipping in our area will not be tolerated, ever.
“There is never an excuse to blight our towns, streets, and villages with waste, and we will find those responsible and hold them to account.
“As this case highlights, we investigate all fly-tipping reports and will uncover all the details as Bouchard has found out.
“Fly-tipping is a serious offence and can lead to large fines, a criminal record and even a custodial sentence.
“Removal of fly-tipping in our area costs hundreds of thousands of pounds which should be spent on key front-line services.
“We will use every power available to us to hold those accountable for their actions.”