Crime & Law

Sophisticated diesel laundering plant uncovered in Monaghan

Man held after seizure of facility with potential to wash 20m litres of fuel annually

The plant would have led to a potential loss for the exchequer of €10 million a year in excise and duties . Photograph: Revenue Commissioners
The plant would have led to a potential loss for the exchequer of €10 million a year in excise and duties . Photograph: Revenue Commissioners
Elaine Keogh
Tue Nov 04 2014 - 10:55

Customs officers have made what they describe as a significant seizure after raiding a diesel laundering plant in Co Monaghan, near the Border with Co Armagh.

The plant at Drumboat, Iniskeen had the capacity to launder 20 million litres of diesel a year which equates to a potential loss to the exchequer of €10 million in excise and duties.

During the raid 50 litres of fuel were seized, most of it laundered.

The find was made in Co Monaghan, near the Border with Co Armagh. Photograph: Revenue Commissioners
The find was made in Co Monaghan, near the Border with Co Armagh. Photograph: Revenue Commissioners

In addition to a static laundry, customs officers also seized three oil tankers, one of which contained a mobile laundry.

READ MORE

One man (42) was arrested in relation to alleged breaches of environmental waste legislation and taken to Carrickmacross Garda station.

The operation was supported by an armed regional support unit.