Customs dismantle major fuel laundering plant in Armagh

Customs have scored another significant success following its dismantling of a major fuel laundering plant in County Armagh.

Following its discovery by police officers, Customs moved into the plant yesterday evening, which was located in commercial premises two miles from Armagh City on the Moy Road.

The sophisticated laundering operation, discovered in an industrial unit, had the capacity to launder approximately 50,000 litres of fuel per week. This would have meant an annual revenue loss of over £1 million.

During the operation Customs removed 16,000 litres of illicit fuel and extensive storage and filtration equipment used in the laundering process. Customs officers also removed liquid sludge, produced by the carbon-based filtering system, from a nearby septic tank. This was in danger of seeping and contaminating a local river.

Customs enquiries are continuing.

Customs Head of Detection Northern Ireland Colin McAllister said: “Its discovery is another significant hit on the illegal fuel trade and shows the benefit of close working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland as part of the Organised Crime Task Force.

“We have repeatedly warned motorists to think before buying cheap fuel. It puts honest filling stations out of business, robs the taxpayer of money for public services and puts the motorist’s vehicle at risk of serious engine damage.

“Laundering plants bring additional dangers, as the sludge residue is often dumped without regard to the local environment."

Anyone with information on fuel laundering can call the Customs confidential 24-hour free phone line on 0800 59 5000.

(GMcG)