Customs Uncover Large Oil Laundering Plant in Co. Monaghan
Officers from Revenue's Customs Service, assisted by Gardaí from the Northern Regional Support Unit and Gardaí from Castleblayney, this morning (02/06/11) uncovered a large oil laundering plant in Drumacon, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.
Officers seized 37,000 litres of laundered fuel, approximately 200 bags of bleaching agent, 2 tankers and a van at the plant. 3 skips of toxic waste were also discovered. Ancillary equipment was dismantled and seized.
The plant had the capacity to launder an estimated 20m litres of fuel per annum with a potential loss to the Exchequer of €11m per annum.
One male in his forties from the locality was arrested and is detained in Castleblaney Garda Station.
This morning's operation is the result of a lengthy investigation by Customs Officers into oil laundering in the area.
[Ends 02/06/11]