An illegal cooking gas outlet on Lot 2, Hellshire Road was discovered and shut down by police on Thursday morning.

The illicit liquified petroleum gas plant is said to be valued at close to eight million dollars.

Also, a sum of 700 thousand dollars was seized, revenue made from the illegal operation.

The proprietor is in custody and could be fined or spend a maximum of one year in prison.

Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch, Victor Barrett says this has been a repeated offense of the proprietor.

Additionally, the perpetrator is said to have stolen electricity to operate his unlicensed business which represents another breach of the law.

The property also housed a two welding shops and a car body work shop.

A spark from the nearby welding shop, if blown in the direction of the gas cylinders could cause a fatal explosion.

A similar incident occurred in 2016 at 3 Jacques Avenue in Mountain View where an illegal liquefied petroleum gas plant exploded resulting in the deaths of four people.

Barrett says customers should stick to buying their cooking gas at legitimate outlets instead of gas shops to be safe.

Paige Dixon reports for CVM Live: