06/08/2003
Illegal fuel plant uncovered in Co Tyrone
Customs officers last night dismantled an illegal fuel laundering plant in Co Tyrone in a joint operation with PSNI.
The laundering operation was discovered on farm premises in the Pomeroy area of Co Tyrone and had the capacity to process approximately 125,000 litres of fuel per month. This would have produced an annual revenue loss of £825,000.
During the operation, Customs removed 4,500 litres of contaminated fuel, along with pumps, compressors, filtration tubes and storage equipment. One lorry and a forklift truck were also seized.
A large quantity of sludge residue from the laundering process was also found in the surrounding area near to the farm buildings where the laundering equipment was found. Environmental agencies have been advised of the sludge residue.
Customs' Head of Anti-smuggling Northern Ireland Colin McAllister said: "This Customs/PSNI operation shows the benefit of multi-agency working as part of the Organised Crime Task Force and has stopped a substantial amount of harmful fuel entering the legitimate fuel market.
"Motorists need to be aware of the full costs of buying cheap diesel. 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.
In 2001, deliveries of legitimate fuel to retailers in Northern Ireland increased for the first time in five years, with 205 million litres of diesel and 430 million litres of petrol delivered compared to 190 million and 405 million litres in the previous year, a sign of recovery in the legitimate retail market.
Anyone with information on fuel laundering should call freephone 0800 59 5000.
(GMcG)
The laundering operation was discovered on farm premises in the Pomeroy area of Co Tyrone and had the capacity to process approximately 125,000 litres of fuel per month. This would have produced an annual revenue loss of £825,000.
During the operation, Customs removed 4,500 litres of contaminated fuel, along with pumps, compressors, filtration tubes and storage equipment. One lorry and a forklift truck were also seized.
A large quantity of sludge residue from the laundering process was also found in the surrounding area near to the farm buildings where the laundering equipment was found. Environmental agencies have been advised of the sludge residue.
Customs' Head of Anti-smuggling Northern Ireland Colin McAllister said: "This Customs/PSNI operation shows the benefit of multi-agency working as part of the Organised Crime Task Force and has stopped a substantial amount of harmful fuel entering the legitimate fuel market.
"Motorists need to be aware of the full costs of buying cheap diesel. 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.
In 2001, deliveries of legitimate fuel to retailers in Northern Ireland increased for the first time in five years, with 205 million litres of diesel and 430 million litres of petrol delivered compared to 190 million and 405 million litres in the previous year, a sign of recovery in the legitimate retail market.
Anyone with information on fuel laundering should call freephone 0800 59 5000.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2011
Biggest Fraudulent Fuel Plant Shut
The UK's largest ever fuel laundering operation - capable of producing over 30 million litres of illicit fuel a year and costing the taxpayer an estimated £20m in lost revenue - has been dismantled by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in Northern Ireland.
Biggest Fraudulent Fuel Plant Shut
The UK's largest ever fuel laundering operation - capable of producing over 30 million litres of illicit fuel a year and costing the taxpayer an estimated £20m in lost revenue - has been dismantled by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in Northern Ireland.
12 November 2012
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
25 November 2010
Tyrone Man Arrested Over Fuel Laundering Plant
A fuel laundering plant capable of producing over nine million litres of illicit fuel a year, evading almost £6 million, has been dismantled by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). A man from Co Tyrone has been arrested and is being questioned following a raid at a private address in the Moy area this morning.
Tyrone Man Arrested Over Fuel Laundering Plant
A fuel laundering plant capable of producing over nine million litres of illicit fuel a year, evading almost £6 million, has been dismantled by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). A man from Co Tyrone has been arrested and is being questioned following a raid at a private address in the Moy area this morning.
19 March 2008
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
07 September 2005
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.