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Armagh diesel laundering plant dismantled: man arrested

Government Communications (NDS)

23 February 2012

HMRC, accompanied by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), uncovered the laundering plant during searches of a private address in the Silverbridge area on Tuesday (21 February). Over 20,000 litres of illicit fuel, a quantity of bleaching earth, used during the laundering process, a fuel tanker, pumps, equipment and seven tonnes of toxic waste were seized during the operation. John Whiting, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, HMRC said: “Every illegal laundering operation has significant environmental and safety issues. These operations typically generate tonnes of toxic waste, which is often dumped indiscriminately in the countryside. So as taxpayers and local ratepayers not only are we missing out on the tax, which is going into the pockets of the criminals, we are also paying the substantial clean up and disposal costs. “Buying illicit fuel not only funds crime but supports and encourages these dangerous activities within our communities. The only winners are the criminals, who are profiting at the expense of honest businesses and endangering the future viability of our legitimate fuel retail service. I would urge anyone with information to contact our free telephone hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any suspicious activities or fuel misuse in their area.” The man was questioned by HMRC officers and has been released on bail. Investigations are continuing.NI 5/12