Fuel laundering plant seized in Co Armagh

Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Task Force today seized a major illegal fuel laundering plant in Co Armagh.

Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Task Force today seized a major illegal fuel laundering plant in Co Armagh.

The plant, with an estimated potential to launder 150,000 litres of fuel a week, was discovered near Crossmaglen, South Armagh. One man was arrested.

NI Security Minister Ms Jane Kennedy hailed the seizure as "another welcome success in the battle to eradicate organised crime in Northern Ireland for good".

She said customs and police officers were determined to tackle organised crime head on.

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As well as what Customs and Excise called the "highly sophisticated" laundering plant, about 17,500 litres of laundered fuel was seized.

Customs estimated the plant was capable of evading up to £75,000 in duty per week by taking out the red Government marker die put in low-tax diesel meant for agricultural use.

The South Armagh plant was the latest in a string uncovered by the Task Force, but such is the profit to be made that new ones are quickly set up.