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HMRC dismantle two diesel laundering plants Co Tyrone

Government Communications (NDS)

16 December 2010

The laundering plants were dismantled after HMRC officers raided farm out-buildings and commercial premises in the Drummurrer Road area of Coalisland yesterday (Wednesday). Almost 4,000 litres of laundered fuel, two vehicles, pumps and equipment along with the toxic waste - a by-product of the laundering process - were removed from the unconnected laundering operations. Mike Connolly, Assistant Director, HMRC Specialist Investigations said:“Had these illegal operations not been stopped they could have produced up to two million litres of illicit fuel a year at an estimated revenue loss of over £1million. Fuel laundering is unregulated and dangerous. The by-products from these laundering plants can cause severe damage to the environment with taxpayers and local ratepayers having to pay for the clean up and disposal costs.“Handling large quantities of any fuel is risky, and should only be done in appropriate conditions. HMRC takes the dangerous and illegal practice of laundering fuel very seriously and we have dismantled a number of large laundering plants in recent weeks. These seizures have prevented a significant quantity of illicit fuel from entering the market, and prevented criminals from undercutting honest businesses.“Anyone with information about illegal fuel should contact our telephone hotline on 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any suspicious activities.”The man has been released on bail and investigations are continuing.NI 45/10