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27/10/2003
Minister challenges illegal fuel users
Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), Jane Kennedy today warned motorists intent on breaking the law that "your chances of getting caught are increasing all the time".
The Minister was speaking during a visit to an OCTF multi-agency vehicle checkpoint (VCP) at Yorkgate, Belfast, which was set up to detect illegal fuel and non compliance in the road user sector.
In praising the work of those involved in the operation Ms Kennedy said: "Tackling oils fraud is a top priority of the Organised Crime Task Force. As well as the obvious loss of revenue to the Exchequer, the criminals who deal in this unadulterated fuel are endangering both the public and the environment through the dumping of waste product and chemicals which they use during the laundering process.
"They endanger public safety as they transport this potential fireball in highly dangerous, non secure vehicles and of course they threaten the very livelihood of the legitimate retailer.
"And those who feel they are getting a 'bargain' by purchasing this fuel may ultimately pay a heavy price when their car engine is irreparably damaged."
The Customs led operation, codenamed 'Operation Journal', involved a number of agencies including PSNI Traffic Branch, Driver Vehicle Licensing, Vehicle Clamping Unit, Automatic Number Plate Reader Unit, a DOE Enforcement Team, as well as three HMCE Specialist Road Fuel Testing Units and one HMCE anti-smuggling team.
Today's operation coincides with an advertising campaign which recognises the specific oils fraud problem faced by the authorities in Northern Ireland.
(MB)
The Minister was speaking during a visit to an OCTF multi-agency vehicle checkpoint (VCP) at Yorkgate, Belfast, which was set up to detect illegal fuel and non compliance in the road user sector.
In praising the work of those involved in the operation Ms Kennedy said: "Tackling oils fraud is a top priority of the Organised Crime Task Force. As well as the obvious loss of revenue to the Exchequer, the criminals who deal in this unadulterated fuel are endangering both the public and the environment through the dumping of waste product and chemicals which they use during the laundering process.
"They endanger public safety as they transport this potential fireball in highly dangerous, non secure vehicles and of course they threaten the very livelihood of the legitimate retailer.
"And those who feel they are getting a 'bargain' by purchasing this fuel may ultimately pay a heavy price when their car engine is irreparably damaged."
The Customs led operation, codenamed 'Operation Journal', involved a number of agencies including PSNI Traffic Branch, Driver Vehicle Licensing, Vehicle Clamping Unit, Automatic Number Plate Reader Unit, a DOE Enforcement Team, as well as three HMCE Specialist Road Fuel Testing Units and one HMCE anti-smuggling team.
Today's operation coincides with an advertising campaign which recognises the specific oils fraud problem faced by the authorities in Northern Ireland.
(MB)
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