04/03/2004

Customs uncover fuel-laundering plant in Fermanagh

Customs officers have dismantled an illegal fuel laundering plant in Co Fermanagh in a joint operation with police.

The laundering operation, uncovered in a workshop at a rural location approximately six miles from Enniskillen, had the capacity to process approximately 25,000 litres of fuel per week.

Customs Head of Detection Northern Ireland Colin McAllister said: "This Customs and PSNI operation shows how joint working, as part of the Organised Crime Task Force, can tackle road fuel offences and has stopped a substantial amount of harmful diesel entering the legitimate fuel market.

"Motorists need to be aware of the real costs of buying cheap diesel. It puts honest fillings stations out of business and robs public services of funding."

During the operation to target the illegal removal of the chemical markers in duty-rebated fuel, Customs removed 4,550 litres of contaminated diesel, along with pumps, compressors, filtration and storage equipment.

A significant quantity of contaminated sludge the chemical residue of the laundering process was also cleared from the site.

In a follow up operation at commercial premises in the area, Customs discovered a storage tank containing 2,500 litres of contaminated fuel, which was seized along with two articulated lorries and a trailer with concealed tanks containing green diesel.

(MB)

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