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14/10/2011
Toxic Waste Uncovered At Illegal Fuel Pumps
Over 20 tonnes of toxic waste have been removed following the discovery of three illegal diesel laundering plants in Co Down and Co Armagh by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
HMRC, accompanied by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), searched private premises in Jonesborough and Downpatrick on Wednesday.
In a shed in the Jonesborough area HMRC officers uncovered a diesel laundering plant and seized a large quantity of chemicals used to launder diesel, plus fuel tanks, pumps and other equipment.
A second diesel laundering plant was later uncovered following searches of industrial sheds in the vicinity of the first plant.
Over 6,000 litres of illicit fuel and equipment were removed during the operations.
During searches of a domestic property in the Downpatrick area of Co Down, HMRC also uncovered a smaller laundering plant hidden in a shed at the rear of the premises.
Graeme Anderson, Assistant Director Specialist Investigations, HMRC said: "Every illegal laundering operation has significant environmental and safety issues.
"The indiscriminate dumping of the by-products from the laundering process can cause severe damage to the environment, as well as taxpayers and local ratepayers having to pay for the clean up and disposal costs - for these sites alone the bill will be around £20,000.
"These three plants had the capacity to produce nearly three million litres of illicit fuel a year, which when sold on at a reduced rate, creating an unfair playing field in which legitimate businesses cannot hope to compete, with an estimated loss of revenue of over £1.9M a year.
"That is why I would urge anyone with information to contact our free telephone hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any fuel misuse or suspicious activities in their area," he concluded, adding that all three plants were dismantled and that investigations are continuing into the unconnected operations.
(BMcC/CD)
HMRC, accompanied by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), searched private premises in Jonesborough and Downpatrick on Wednesday.
In a shed in the Jonesborough area HMRC officers uncovered a diesel laundering plant and seized a large quantity of chemicals used to launder diesel, plus fuel tanks, pumps and other equipment.
A second diesel laundering plant was later uncovered following searches of industrial sheds in the vicinity of the first plant.
Over 6,000 litres of illicit fuel and equipment were removed during the operations.
During searches of a domestic property in the Downpatrick area of Co Down, HMRC also uncovered a smaller laundering plant hidden in a shed at the rear of the premises.
Graeme Anderson, Assistant Director Specialist Investigations, HMRC said: "Every illegal laundering operation has significant environmental and safety issues.
"The indiscriminate dumping of the by-products from the laundering process can cause severe damage to the environment, as well as taxpayers and local ratepayers having to pay for the clean up and disposal costs - for these sites alone the bill will be around £20,000.
"These three plants had the capacity to produce nearly three million litres of illicit fuel a year, which when sold on at a reduced rate, creating an unfair playing field in which legitimate businesses cannot hope to compete, with an estimated loss of revenue of over £1.9M a year.
"That is why I would urge anyone with information to contact our free telephone hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any fuel misuse or suspicious activities in their area," he concluded, adding that all three plants were dismantled and that investigations are continuing into the unconnected operations.
(BMcC/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
