Published Friday, 28 December 2012
A fuel plant dismantled in south Armagh earlier this year. (© HMRC)
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs officials seized 94,000 litres of toxic sludge dumped by criminals in the region in 2012. This was enough to fill 500 domestic wheelie bins.
An estimated £1.13m in public funding is spent annually disposing of the waste.
Senior revenue officials are warning there would be no let-up in 2013 in the crackdown against the criminal gangs involved, mostly located in the border regions.
Pat Curtis, national oils co-ordinator for HMRC, said: "Laundered fuel is sold at a reduced price and motorists may think they are getting a good deal because it is cheaper.
"But I would caution them to think again as the true cost is far from a bargain for anyone.
"We will continue to carry out raids and roadside checks to detect those attempting to smuggle, launder, sell or use illicit fuel. We are all losing out."