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Border smugglers are working with North Korean scientists to crack dye markers in fuel to make millions from the Brexit mayhem.

Security sources north and south of the border have told the Irish Mirror the former provisional IRA-linked criminals are back in business.

They also claim scientists from the hermit kingdom are close to solving the problem.

The cost of agricultural diesel is between 60c to 80c – significantly cheaper than normal fuel.

A source said: “The IRA had funded their campaign by smuggling the fuel across the border and selling it to motorists.

“There are huge profits to be made but customs officers can seize the vehicle if it is found to contain the so-called green diesel.

“The smugglers have been trying to crack the science for years to remove the dye but they have failed.

“They are now involved with these North Korean criminals who have said they will give them scientific capabilities.”

Illegal fuel and cigarette factories have been found by gardai and the PSNI in raids on the border.

Sources have also claimed in recent months there has been a significant rise in the dumping of sludge from these factories – the toxic by-product left over when the smugglers attempt to “clean” the fuel.

A source said: “From the Garda and customs perspective intelligence is there that there is now a massive operation swinging back into action.

“They are smuggling everything including counterfeit clothes, smoky coal, alcohol, prescription drugs and cars to avoid strict VRT.

“It is a risk to use this coloured diesel, not only will it damage your car but also because your vehicle can be seized.

“In January raids by the Criminal Assets Bureau found a cigarette and alcohol contraband factory worth huge money – it is led by one of the most dangerous criminal gangs who are all ex-provos.

“The profits are enormous, the public want cheap cigarettes and alcohol but taxes on motor fuel mean there’s a huge money-making opportunity there.”

In January, gardai from the Criminal Assets Bureau backed up by the Emergency Response Unit hit eight properties.

Gardai seized documents, computers, mobile phones along with a large stash of viagra – €10,000 was also found.

The operation targeted a very dangerous gang of former IRA and INLA thugs. Six houses were hit and two businesses were searched.

It is believed the criminals, who have bases on both sides of the border, are seeking to launder money through property developments.

They are well-known members of IRA smuggling gangs – the leader has had a number of siblings killed by British security forces during the Troubles.

Another family member was gunned down by the SAS who found the man and an accomplice in possession of rifles during a shootout at a farm.

Sources have said smuggling is just one aspect of the broader border campaign – the spate of ATM thefts, albeit run by organised crime, has some origins in IRA activities.

A source said: “The IRA factions are not directly involved in the ATM thefts but are close to it.

“They are allowing it to operate and may be taking a cut.”

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Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has previously said dissidents are the single biggest threat to Ireland.

He added recently: “Over the last year-and-a-half we have been building up resources in the border area and we will continue to do so.

“There has been developments around officers assigned to the northern region but also in terms of roads policing and the armed supports units and that will continue.”