Authorities fine scrap yards, repair, body and paint shops in Arecibo

An automobile scrap yard was among several businesses in Arecibo that were fined for permitting and other violations.

By The Star Staff

Authorities intervened this week at various auto repair shops, scrap yards, body shops and paint shops in Arecibo, where in the Miraflores neighborhood, several shops were inspected, cited and fined for not having the required permits in violation of the law.

The Puerto Rico Planning Board ordered the closure of two shops (cease and desist) and issued a fine of $2,000.

Environmental Quality Board staff issued $60,000 in fines, meanwhile.

Complaints were filed for: not having an automotive technician’s license, improper handling of diesel, motor oils and paint, as well as for lacking a record of entry and exit of vehicles.

About 20 vehicles were inspected, and 10 license plates were seized for investigation because they did not belong to the shop owner.

Sgt. David Pantoja Pares of the Arecibo Stolen Vehicles Division and Sgt. Christopher Atiles Cruz of the Utuado Stolen Vehicles Bureau Division were in charge of the intervention.