Police and Customs officers today shut down a rogue filling station selling illegal fuel in Co Down. More than 4,000 litres of diesel, forecourt pumps and storage tanks were all seized in a raid on a retail outlet in the Newry area.
Seven vehicles were also detected using illegal fuel after a joint PSNI and HM Revenue and Customs checkpoint was set up. Penalties of over £3,000 were imposed on motorists.
Maggie Eyden, the HMRC's Head of Detection in Northern Ireland, said: "The success of this operation is a result of our determined efforts, along with our partners in the Organised Crime Task Force, to disrupt and dismantle the illegal supply of fuel.
"Organised crime has a detrimental and harmful effect on all our communities as well as a damaging impact on our environment.
"This HMRC and PSNI operation shows how joint working, as part of the Organised Crime Task Force, can tackle road fuel and motoring offences."
Customs chiefs believe their action is hitting rogue traders hard. Deliveries of legitimate fuel into Northern Ireland are up almost 25 per cent between 2000 and 2004.
Ms Eyden urged motorists to be aware of the real costs of buying cheap diesel. "It puts honest fillings stations out of business and robs public services of funding. "HMRC is keen to work closely with local people and communities in the fight against crime."