'Major hit' scored against fuel launderers

A major fuel laundering plant has been shut down by Customs at Clady, Co Tyrone, in a joint operation with the PSNI.

The plant, which was discovered today in remote farm buildings on the outskirts of the town, had the capacity to launder around 10,000 litres of diesel per week. This would have meant a weekly revenue loss of up to £5,000.

During the operation Customs officers seized around 6,000 litres of laundered fuel. A lorry that had been adapted for the transport of fuel was also seized along with pumping, storage and filtration equipment.

A Customs spokesperson said: “The discovery of this illegal operation is another significant hit on the illegal fuel trade and shows the benefit of close working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

“We have repeatedly warned motorists to think before buying cheap fuel. 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.

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

Anyone with information about suspicious activity should call the confidential Customs & Excise hotline on 0800 59 5000.

Elsewhere, Chief Constable Hugh Orde has announced that he is to provide 100 new detectives for Belfast.

He will be seeking some of that number from other police forces throughout the United Kingdom.

The announcement follows Mr Orde’s commitment on the first day as Chief Constable to provide police with additional resources in the fight against crime.

(GMcG)