Sooke RCMP investigating illegal asbestos dumping on Beecher Bay First Nations land

RCMPin Sooke, B.C.,are investigating the illegal dumping of what they say appears to be asbestos waste on Beecher Bay First Nations land on Vancouver Island.

"It's hazardous waste, it's very expensive to get rid of it properly," saidStaff Sgt. Jeff McArthur.

"Clearly someone is trying to save money and discard this at the roadside, endangering the environment and the public."

RCMP saythe waste was dumpedon two separate occasions once on Oct. 30, and again on Nov. 26totalingup to 55 large garbage bags.

"Clearly the bags of asbestos were professionally removed and sent for disposal," said McArthur in a written release.

Police have released images of some ofthe waste, hoping someone will recognize the unique pattern of the linoleum and provide information that could lead to an arrest.

They also have analyzed the bags and their contents.

"We have picked some things out that we think are kind of distinctive and may tell us where the waste has come from," McArthursaid.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241 orCrimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.