Police and customs officers launched a major drive against organised crime in Northern Ireland today.
They targeted the area around Strabane, Co Tyrone, uncovering a substantial illicit fuel laundering plant in Claudy.
The plant, discovered in remote farm buildings on the outskirts of the town, had the capacity to launder around 10,000 litres of diesel a week - with a potential loss of revenue to the exchequer of £5,000 a week.
During the operation customs officers seized around 6,000 litres of laundered fuel. A lorry adapted for the transport of the diesel was also seized along with pumping, storage and filtration equipment.
A Customs spokesman said: "The discovery of this illegal operation is another significant hit on the illegal fuel trade and shows the benefit of close working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland."
He said they had repeatedly warned motorists to think before buying cheap fuel as it put honest filling stations out of business and robbed the taxpayer of money for public services.
It also put motorists' vehicles at risk of serious damage, the spokesman pointed out.
During the crackdown police said they also seized illicit cigarettes and tobacco.
PA