Menu
05/03/2012
Armagh Diesel Laundering Plant Dismantled: Man Arrested
A man has been arrested following the discovery of a diesel laundering plant in Co Armagh by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
HMRC, accompanied by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), uncovered the laundering plant during searches of a private address in the Silverbridge area on Tuesday (21 February).
Over 20,000 litres of illicit fuel, a quantity of bleaching earth, used during the laundering process, a fuel tanker, pumps, equipment and seven tonnes of toxic waste were seized during the operation.
John Whiting, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, HMRC said: "Every illegal laundering operation has significant environmental and safety issues. These operations typically generate tonnes of toxic waste, which is often dumped indiscriminately in the countryside. So as taxpayers and local ratepayers not only are we missing out on the tax, which is going into the pockets of the criminals, we are also paying the substantial clean up and disposal costs.
"Buying illicit fuel not only funds crime but supports and encourages these dangerous activities within our communities. The only winners are the criminals, who are profiting at the expense of honest businesses and endangering the future viability of our legitimate fuel retail service. I would urge anyone with information to contact our free telephone hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any suspicious activities or fuel misuse in their area."
The man was questioned by HMRC officers and has been released on bail. Investigations are continuing.
(GK)
HMRC, accompanied by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), uncovered the laundering plant during searches of a private address in the Silverbridge area on Tuesday (21 February).
Over 20,000 litres of illicit fuel, a quantity of bleaching earth, used during the laundering process, a fuel tanker, pumps, equipment and seven tonnes of toxic waste were seized during the operation.
John Whiting, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, HMRC said: "Every illegal laundering operation has significant environmental and safety issues. These operations typically generate tonnes of toxic waste, which is often dumped indiscriminately in the countryside. So as taxpayers and local ratepayers not only are we missing out on the tax, which is going into the pockets of the criminals, we are also paying the substantial clean up and disposal costs.
"Buying illicit fuel not only funds crime but supports and encourages these dangerous activities within our communities. The only winners are the criminals, who are profiting at the expense of honest businesses and endangering the future viability of our legitimate fuel retail service. I would urge anyone with information to contact our free telephone hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any suspicious activities or fuel misuse in their area."
The man was questioned by HMRC officers and has been released on bail. Investigations are continuing.
(GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2024
Justice Minister Aims To Improve Victims And Witnesses Services
The Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has announced proposals to improve the experience of services for victims and witnesses of crime. The Minister has launched a public consultation, seeking the views of the public as it develops its Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.
Justice Minister Aims To Improve Victims And Witnesses Services
The Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has announced proposals to improve the experience of services for victims and witnesses of crime. The Minister has launched a public consultation, seeking the views of the public as it develops its Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.
29 November 2024
Three More Arrested After Police Pursuit And Ramming In Kilrea
Police have arrested five men in connection with a dangerous incident in Kilrea on the afternoon of Wednesday, 27 November. Officers were called to reports of a disturbance at a shop on Mill Road, where a vehicle was used to ram the building. A woman was also assaulted during the incident.
Three More Arrested After Police Pursuit And Ramming In Kilrea
Police have arrested five men in connection with a dangerous incident in Kilrea on the afternoon of Wednesday, 27 November. Officers were called to reports of a disturbance at a shop on Mill Road, where a vehicle was used to ram the building. A woman was also assaulted during the incident.
28 November 2024
Man Charged After Glenarm Shooting
Detectives investigating the incident on Feystown Road on Monday, 25 November, have charged a 41-year-old man with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and criminal damage. The accused is due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday, 28 November.
Man Charged After Glenarm Shooting
Detectives investigating the incident on Feystown Road on Monday, 25 November, have charged a 41-year-old man with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and criminal damage. The accused is due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday, 28 November.
26 November 2024
Police Issue Fresh Appeal For Missing Boys On 50th Anniversary
Police have made a fresh appeal to the public for information regarding the disappearance of two young boys in west Belfast on the 50th anniversary of the date they went missing.
Police Issue Fresh Appeal For Missing Boys On 50th Anniversary
Police have made a fresh appeal to the public for information regarding the disappearance of two young boys in west Belfast on the 50th anniversary of the date they went missing.
10 August 2007
Co Armagh Fuel Laundering Plant Is Raided
A fuel laundering plant has been raided by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) near Keady in Co Armagh. The illegal operation had the potential capacity to produce 105,000 litres of laundered fuel per week, with an estimated annual revenue loss of around £3.3m.
Co Armagh Fuel Laundering Plant Is Raided
A fuel laundering plant has been raided by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) near Keady in Co Armagh. The illegal operation had the potential capacity to produce 105,000 litres of laundered fuel per week, with an estimated annual revenue loss of around £3.3m.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be largely dry with patchy cloud and sunny spells through the day. Perhaps the odd shower in the north. Strong southwesterly winds, easing later. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying dry with clear spells through this evening. Clouding over later in the night with rain arriving from the southwest during the early hours. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
