The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) ordered the seizure of vehicles following the discovery of a suspected fuel laundering plant in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh.
The plant was discovered on Monday (September 9) when the PSNI District Support Team along with Local Policing Team officers were patrolling the area and observed a lorry baring false registration plates travelling through the town.
The crews stopped the lorry shortly after at this particular yard, and could confirm that the vehicle was not insured, was baring false plates, and had not been taxed for the last 13 years, since 2011.
Following further enquiries in the yard, several other lorries were found to be using rebated fuel.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seized a total of 11 vehicles, including 10 lorries and a van.
Two trailer units were also seized during the investigation and hundreds of litres of rebated fuel was discovered at the site.
The PSNI is continuing the investigation with HMRC and the Driver and Vehicle Agency.
Fermanagh
Meanwhile, the PSNI confirmed that a tractor and baler that was stolen from a Co. Fermanagh farm has been returned to its owner, following appeals for the “treasured” red International 865 tractor and blue New Holland 274 baler.
It is believed that the theft occurred sometime between 8:00p.m on Monday (August 19) and 8:00a.m on Tuesday (August 20).
The theft occurred at approximately 3:00a.m with a lorry following seen on CCTV heading to Stragowna Cross.
By Friday, August 30, the tractor and baler were returned just in time for an opportunity to make hay.
