Criminal gangs who illegally dump waste in Northern Ireland will face up to five years in prison under tough legislation being proposed.
Customs officers will have enhanced powers to seize vehicles and courts may impose heavier fines under provisions being guided through Westminster at present.
Environment Minister David Cairns said: "Organised criminal gangs are generating significant profits from the illegal cross border transport and illegal management of waste.
"Such activity also poses serious risk to public health and the environment. It is clear that illegal dumping is not a victimless crime and such activity will not be tolerated."
He was speaking at a meeting of a House of Commons committee debate on the draft Waste (Amendment) Northern Ireland Order 2007, which is expected to become law later this year.
The maximum prison term will rise from two years to five and the maximum fine from stg£20,000 to £50,000.
Illegal dumping has netted large profits for unauthorised waste operators, including organised, criminal gangs. It damages the environment and risks public health and also affects legitimate waste businesses.
Some rogue transporters bring household refuse from the Republic to avoid high landfill charges and leave it in isolated areas. The cost of cleaning up illegally deposited waste is also significant.
Mr Cairns said measures in the bill would force the polluter to pay and said penalties would fit the crime.
Last week a Co Tyrone builder was jailed for a year after allowing his land to be used for illegally dumping urban waste from the Republic.
The toxic by-products of laundered fuel are also left in border areas where they can damage the fragile ecology.