A diesel-laundering plant, which customs officials said was the largest ever uncovered in the North, was dismantled yesterday.
The plant was uncovered when revenue and customs officers raided farm buildings at Derrynoose, Co Armagh.
A customs spokesman said the plant had the capacity to launder 8.5 million litres of fuel a year, costing the UK exchequer some £5.5 million.
About 20,000 litres of laundered green diesel were seized at the plant, along with with three tonnes of cat litter, which is used to remove dyes and markers from diesel tanks and pumping equipment.
Customs assistant director Mike Connelly said people needed to be aware of safety and environmental issues to do with fuel laundering, which was often done in rural locations.
“The activity uncovered today shows a total disregard for the well-being of people within our communities,” he said.