Illegal fuel seized at port

CUSTOMS officers have seized more than 25,000 litres of suspected illegal fuel at a North West port.

The laundered green diesel was seized at Fleetwood, Lancashire when the lorry, which had been travelling on board a ferry from Larne in Northern Ireland, was stopped and searched  on Monday night.

After removing a load of sawdust, officers found a large tank concealed behind a
false wooden bulkhead.

Mike Connolly, assistant director, specialist investigations at HMRC, said:”Fuel smugglers show no regard for honest drivers, businesses or other ferry passengers.

“The fact that a makeshift tank full of flammable fuel was transported on the ferry shows utter contempt for the safety of other passengers. HMRC is working closely with the Coastguard and Ferry Operators to protect passengers from this type of danger.”

A lorry driver arrested in connection with the seizure has been released on bail and investigations are continuing.