HMRC officers are investigating the source of up to 50,000 litres of laundered green diesel, which has been seized at the Port of Holyhead.
The fuel was discovered in two freight lorries by customs officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA). Each trailer contained a concealed tank. One tank was properly welded inside the trailer but the second - weighing around 20 tons - was crudely attached using only two cargo straps to secure it.
The rented vehicles - one of which was registered in Northern Ireland, and the other in Britain - were carrying loads of waste cardboard. This cargo concealed the tanks, which each contained an estimated 20-25,000 litres of laundered green diesel.
Andrew Pavlinic, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said:
"Fuel launderers show no regard for honest drivers, businesses and the environment. The fact that one tank, full of heavy and flammable fuel, was simply strapped on also shows utter contempt for the safety of other road users.
"HMRC takes very seriously the unfair and illegal practice of selling laundered fuel. The seizure has prevented a significant quantity of illicit fuel from entering the market, and prevented criminals from undercutting honest businesses.
"Cheap, illegal fuel isn't a bargain. Its production and the waste products from the laundering process can cause considerable damage to the environment, and can cause serious damage to vehicle engines. If someone offers you cheap fuel that seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is just that."
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