People's lives have been put at risk by an illegal gas cylinder re-filling operation in Northern Ireland, police revealed tonight.
In a co-ordinated operation against an underground operation in South Armagh police seized 3,500 illegally refilled gas cylinders and bulk storage tanks containing some 24 tonnes of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
One man was arrested in the village of Cullaville in the operation by 50 officers from the PSNI Crime Operations, supported by local officers and the NI Fire and Rescue Service.
A major explosion and fire could have been sparked in the residential area and buyers of faulty gas cylinders could also have been put at risk, police said.
Superintendent Alan McCrum, who co-ordinated the operation, said while it had been mounted in the interests of public safety, it would also have a significant impact on the level of criminality in the South Armagh area.
"This operation sends a clear message that the police will be pursuing anyone involved in the selling of illegal goods. Smuggled or laundered petrol and diesel has long been big business on the border - gas is a less know criminal activity."
Mr McCrum said their operation had not just been about enforcement but also public safety.
"The filling of gas cylinders is a highly dangerous operation and to do this without proper safeguards so close to residential and other property in the village of Cullaville is both reckless and illegal.
A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland added: "The search unearthed a number of unsafe practices which could have resulted in a major fire and explosion that would have put members of the public in the area at risk."
Meanwhile, the PSNI and the British government challenged businesses in Co Armagh to fight back against organised crime and extortion.
Police are targeting businesses in Portadown and neighbouring Craigavon in a pilot scheme to promote an anti-extortion helpline.
The Organised Crime Taskforce campaign could be rolled out across the whole of Northern Ireland if successful.
The Helpline number from Northern Ireland is: 02890 922267.
Security Minister Paul Goggins urged anyone threatened with extortion to take the first step of ringing the Helpline and assured them their call would be treated in complete confidence.
"Last year the PSNI successfully brought to the courts every single extortion case where the victim worked with the police.
"There have been no recriminations or reprisals against any of these people who had the courage to stand up to the criminals," Mr Goggins said.
PA