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07/06/2007
Belfast illegal fuel site uncovered
Around 3,000 litres of illegal fuel have been seized in west Belfast in an operation targeting the illegal fuel trade.
HM Revenue and Customs and the PSNI visited the commercial premises in the St Agnes Street area of the city and uncovered the illegal fuel storage and huckster site.
The huckster operation was selling fuel at an unviable retail price, and enforcement action was also taken against nine vehicles owners who were buying illegal fuel at the site.
HMRC Head of Detection, Northern Ireland, Maggie Eyden said: “This HMRC and PSNI operation shows how joint working, as part of the Organised Crime Task Force, can stop substantial amounts of harmful diesel entering the legitimate fuel market and supports Revenue & Customs’ ongoing crackdown on the sale and use of illegal fuel across Northern Ireland.”
She continued: “People need to be aware of the environmental and safety issues surrounding the sale of illegal fuel, which is often done from these unregulated and unauthorised sites. I would ask everyone to consider what happens to the waste by product; the damage caused by contamination to arable land and our water and rivers in the production of illegal fuel; and the risk to their homes and families where these huckster sites are located close to residential areas.
“That is why I would urge the members of the public to contact our freephone hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any fuel misuse or suspicious activities in their area.”
A Nissan Terrano jeep with a trailer and a concealed tank on board, along with storage tanks and pumping equipment were also seized at the site on an industrial estate surrounded by domestic dwellings.
(JM/KMcA)
HM Revenue and Customs and the PSNI visited the commercial premises in the St Agnes Street area of the city and uncovered the illegal fuel storage and huckster site.
The huckster operation was selling fuel at an unviable retail price, and enforcement action was also taken against nine vehicles owners who were buying illegal fuel at the site.
HMRC Head of Detection, Northern Ireland, Maggie Eyden said: “This HMRC and PSNI operation shows how joint working, as part of the Organised Crime Task Force, can stop substantial amounts of harmful diesel entering the legitimate fuel market and supports Revenue & Customs’ ongoing crackdown on the sale and use of illegal fuel across Northern Ireland.”
She continued: “People need to be aware of the environmental and safety issues surrounding the sale of illegal fuel, which is often done from these unregulated and unauthorised sites. I would ask everyone to consider what happens to the waste by product; the damage caused by contamination to arable land and our water and rivers in the production of illegal fuel; and the risk to their homes and families where these huckster sites are located close to residential areas.
“That is why I would urge the members of the public to contact our freephone hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any fuel misuse or suspicious activities in their area.”
A Nissan Terrano jeep with a trailer and a concealed tank on board, along with storage tanks and pumping equipment were also seized at the site on an industrial estate surrounded by domestic dwellings.
(JM/KMcA)
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Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
