19/01/2012
'20 Years To Tackle Fuel Smuggling', Says Attwood
The battle to stop fuel smuggling in Northern Ireland could take up to 20 years, according to a prominent MLA.
Environment Minster Alex Attwood was speaking in front of the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee as it continues its evidence-gathering session into fuel laundering and smuggling in Northern Ireland.
Mr Attwood said that many of the people involved in smuggling and laundering fuel had ties to dissident republicans.
It is understood that the Minister does not feel that tackling fuel laundering is an "impossible task" but that it will be a long process to turn it around.
Mr Attwood said: "I think this is a 20-year commitment of governments across these islands."
Meanwhile it was also revealed that customs officers are conducting four operations against criminal gangs allegedly taking part in the racket.
"It is quite clear and there has been evidence that there are those involved in fuel smuggling and tobacco smuggling who can have relationships with republican dissident organisations, so there are definitely relationships, said Mr Attwood.
"But it remains unclear whether dissidents are behind these particular cases,"he concluded.
Environment Minster Alex Attwood was speaking in front of the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee as it continues its evidence-gathering session into fuel laundering and smuggling in Northern Ireland.
Mr Attwood said that many of the people involved in smuggling and laundering fuel had ties to dissident republicans.
It is understood that the Minister does not feel that tackling fuel laundering is an "impossible task" but that it will be a long process to turn it around.
Mr Attwood said: "I think this is a 20-year commitment of governments across these islands."
Meanwhile it was also revealed that customs officers are conducting four operations against criminal gangs allegedly taking part in the racket.
"It is quite clear and there has been evidence that there are those involved in fuel smuggling and tobacco smuggling who can have relationships with republican dissident organisations, so there are definitely relationships, said Mr Attwood.
"But it remains unclear whether dissidents are behind these particular cases,"he concluded.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.