16/07/2008

Laundered Fuel Seizures In Armagh

Six thousand litres of laundered fuel were seized together with five HGV cab units by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers in a joint operation with the PSNI at commercial premises in Armagh on Saturday 11 July.

As part of the operation a 54 year-old man was arrested and subsequently bailed to appear at Armagh police station on 6 August.

In another incident, HMRC was called in by PSNI officers who had stopped a tanker driver in South Armagh. When inspected, the tanker was found to be carrying 10,000 litres of laundered fuel which was seized along with the tanker.

John Spence, Senior Officer for HMRC in Northern Ireland, said: "Illegal fuel - whether used commercially or privately - undermines honest filling stations, steals cash meant for hospitals and schools and damages vehicle engines. All companies who have commercial vehicles seized will face audit which could lead to further charges if other fuel misuse is detected.

Derek Dubery, Acting Director Criminal Investigation for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in Northern Ireland also said: "This is part of Revenue & Customs' work to prevent not only commercial smuggling, but the ongoing sale of smuggled and laundered fuel thus protecting honest retailers in Northern Ireland. The public is put in immediate danger when fuel is transported in vehicles that are not specifically designed to safely carry fuel.

"We will continue to work closely with the PSNI and other partner agencies, both north and south of the border, to ensure that the organised criminals involved in this type of fraud have nowhere to hide. "I would urge anyone who knows of fuel misuse or suspicious activities to call our 24 hour freephone on 0800 59 5000."

(JM/KMcA)

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