06/08/2003

Illegal fuel plant uncovered in Co Tyrone

Customs officers last night dismantled an illegal fuel laundering plant in Co Tyrone in a joint operation with PSNI.

The laundering operation was discovered on farm premises in the Pomeroy area of Co Tyrone and had the capacity to process approximately 125,000 litres of fuel per month. This would have produced an annual revenue loss of £825,000.

During the operation, Customs removed 4,500 litres of contaminated fuel, along with pumps, compressors, filtration tubes and storage equipment. One lorry and a forklift truck were also seized.

A large quantity of sludge residue from the laundering process was also found in the surrounding area near to the farm buildings where the laundering equipment was found. Environmental agencies have been advised of the sludge residue.

Customs' Head of Anti-smuggling Northern Ireland Colin McAllister said: "This Customs/PSNI operation shows the benefit of multi-agency working as part of the Organised Crime Task Force and has stopped a substantial amount of harmful fuel entering the legitimate fuel market.

"Motorists need to be aware of the full costs of buying cheap diesel. It puts honest fillings stations out of business, robs the taxpayer of money for public services and puts the motorist's vehicle at risk of serious engine damage.

In 2001, deliveries of legitimate fuel to retailers in Northern Ireland increased for the first time in five years, with 205 million litres of diesel and 430 million litres of petrol delivered compared to 190 million and 405 million litres in the previous year, a sign of recovery in the legitimate retail market.

Anyone with information on fuel laundering should call freephone 0800 59 5000.

(GMcG)

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