Illegal fuel plant found in Cullyhanna, County Armagh

The plant in south Armagh was raided by Customs and police

More than 20 tonnes of toxic waste have been removed from a farm in County Armagh following the discovery of a diesel laundering plant.

Customs officers, supported by police, searched a number of outbuildings the farm in the Cullyhanna area.

The plant, capable of producing nearly 11m litres of illicit diesel, evading over £7m in taxes and duty a year, was dismantled.

Pumps, tanks and equipment were removed from the site.

Pat Curtis, of HM Revenue and Customs National, 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."