Customs Uncover Oil Laundering Plant in Co. Offaly
Officers from Revenue's Customs Service, in a joint operation with Gardai from Tullamore, today (16/12/2010) uncovered a large oil laundering plant near Daingean, Co Offaly. A laundering operation was underway at the time.
The plant had the capacity to launder an estimated 100,000 litres per week with a potential loss to the Exchequer of €50,000 per week. Customs Officers seized 12,500 litres of laundered fuel, one vehicle and one gravel truck with a concealed tank of 20,000 litres capacity.
They also dismantled and seized ancillary equipment.
A male in his fifties was arrested at the scene. Another male in his forties was subsequently arrested in Tullamore.
In simultaneous operations in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath and near Tuam Co. Galway, Customs Officers also detained 14,000 and 50,000 litres of product pending further investigation.
Ends 16/12/2010