Published Wednesday, 28 November 2012
An illegal fuel laundering operation is discovered in Co Armagh. (© HMRC)
The plant was capable of producing five million litres of illicit fuel and evading £4m of public money each year.
It was dismantled following the search of a number of sheds a private address in Cullyhanna on Tuesday by HM Revenue and Customs and PSNI officers.
Pat Curtis, HMRC National Oils Co-ordinator, said: "Every illegal laundering operation typically generates tonnes of toxic waste, which involves significant environmental and safety issues.
"As taxpayers and local ratepayers, not only are we missing out on the stolen tax going into the pockets of the criminals, we are also paying the substantial clean up and disposal costs.
"Buying illicit fuel funds crime and supports and encourages these dangerous activities within our communities. The only winners are the criminals."
Pumps and equipment were removed from the site and investigations into those behind the operation are continuing.