Police and customs officers today seized thousands of litres of illegal diesel when they shut down a major fuel laundering plant in Co Armagh.
Today's raid took place at industrial premises three miles from Lurgan on the shores of Lough Neagh.
During the multi-agency operation, customs officers seized around 22,500 litres of adulterated fuel from the storage depot. The revenue loss was estimated at around £15,000 (€23,000).
The operation came less than 48 hours after they moved against a larger operation in Co Tyrone that was removing the chemical markers from so-called red diesel. Red diesel is legitimately used by farmers in tractors but is not licensed for general use.
On Wednesday, the plant near Carrickmore, Co Tyrone - which had a capacity to launder 85,000 litres of fuel a month at an annual cost of £500,000 (€782,000) - was closed down .
"Motorists need to be aware of the full costs of buying cheap diesel. It puts honest filling stations out of business, robs the taxpayer of money for public services and puts the motorist's vehicle at risk of serious engine damage," a customs spokesman said.
PA