Customs uncover oil laundering plant in Co. Louth

Officers from Revenue's Customs Service, supported by the Garda Regional Support Unit and local Gardaí, tonight (25/01/12) uncovered an oil laundering plant in Courtbane, Hackballscross, Co. Louth which had the capacity to launder approximately twelve million litres of fuel per annum with a potential loss to the Exchequer of €6m per annum. The plant was concealed in a 40ft curtain-sided trailer.

A mobile oil laundering plant was also uncovered in a van. The van, two tankers, 25,000 litres of product and ancillary equipment were also seized. A significant quantity of toxic waste was also uncovered at the site.

Two men in their late twenties/early thirties, one with an address in Dublin and the other with an address in Northern Ireland, were arrested and enquiries are continuing.

This operation is part of Revenue's ongoing activities to tackle fuel fraud. Revenue would like to remind motorists and the public that they should be aware of the risks posed to their vehicles by using laundered fuel. It also takes much needed funds from the Exchequer; hurts legitimate trade and of course it is funding criminal activity.

[Ends: 25/01/12]