Tractors seized during police investigation

More than £200,000 worth of stolen goods have been uncovered by police during the investigation of illegal dumping of rubbish in Co Fermanagh.

The goods were found on Monday as police accompanied staff from the government's Environment Heritage Service searching for rogue waste.

It was there that two lorry trailers parked at the site were opened and the plant and machinery uncovered.

The haul included three new tractors that were found hidden in containers in a quarry near Derrylin.

PSNI Inspector Bob Torrens said the discovery was the most valuable seizure of its kind ever made in Northern Ireland.

"We believe very high-powered organised criminals are involved in this transportation and theft of plant machinery, which is worth about £1.7 million a year in Northern Ireland,” Mr Torrens said.

“"We can't say whether they were destined for movement within Ireland or into the continent. This may be national or it may be international.”

No one was arrested during subsequent searches however the police investigation is ongoing.

(MB/SP)