Two diesel laundering plants found in N Ireland
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TWO DIESEL laundering plants capable of producing more than 15 million litres of illicit fuel a year together have been discovered in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland.
Officers from HMRC and the Police Service of Northern Ireland found one plant hidden in a shed at a private address in Cullyhanna; while the other was discovered in an unrelated operation next to a private address in Middletown.
Three tonnes of toxic waste (a by-product of the laundering process) along with 1,000 litres of illicit fuel, a tanker, and some pumping equipment were found. Officers also seized computers after a search of the house in Cullyhanna.
A spokeswoman for HMRC was unable to confirm whether any individuals were found at either site or whether the finds were likely to lead to any charges.
HMRC has been involved in dismantling 27 diesel laundering plants in Northern Ireland in the past year, the spokeswoman added.
HMRC estimates that the use of illicit fuel resulted in £150m of lost revenue for Britain in 2010-11; while in Northern Ireland, nonUK-duty-paid diesel – which includes fuel bought legitimately in Ireland – cost the UK Treasury about £160m.