Laundered Diesel detained in Donegal
Officers from Revenue’s Customs service based in Letterkenny today detained approximately 7,000 litres of suspected laundered diesel oil at a petrol station in east Donegal. The potential loss of revenue on 7,000 litres is approximately €3,500. The detention is part of ongoing operations to detect the use of laundered diesel. Further enquiries are being carried out.
A Revenue spokesperson said, "Laundering or washing of mineral oil defrauds Revenue of Excise duty and VAT. Chemicals used during the laundering process remain in the oil and can cause damage to vehicle engines and pumps. The public need to be aware of the damage caused to land and rivers by the waste chemicals resulting from oil laundering. I urge members of the public to contact their nearest Revenue Office if they know of any fuel misuse or suspicious activity in their area."
Note:
The term 'laundering' or washing refers to the illegal activity of removing approved markers and dyes from green or red diesel. Green diesel, which is available in the Republic of Ireland, and red diesel, which is available in Northern Ireland, cannot be used in road vehicles. Officers from Revenue’s Customs Service have a statutory right to visit any user of mineral oil, search premises, draw samples and remove records.
[Ends 20/02/2007]