Two fuel laundering plants have been raided by Revenue Customs officers in Co Louth today with combined potential Exchequer losses of €11 million.
The latest find by Revenue Customs officers was at an oil laundering facility in Courtbane, Dundalk, Co Louth.
It had the capacity to launder some 4 million litres of fuel annually with a potential loss of €2 million to the Exchequer.
Officers seized 21,000 litres of illicit fuel, bleaching earth, a tanker, a van and equipment in a shed at the back of a house. They also discovered 4 tonnes of toxic waste.
Earlier three people were arrested after Revenue and the Garda uncovered an oil laundering plant in Tatebane, Hackballscross, Dundalk early this morning.
The oil laundering plant had the capacity to launder 18 million litres of fuel per year with a potential loss to the Exchequer of €9 million. A síbín and spirits without duty paid on them were also discovered on the premises.
Officers recovered 30,000 litres of illicit fuel, 53 bags of bleaching earth, one tanker and three lorries and 36 tonnes of toxic waste.. One of the trucks contained a concealed tank for the transportation of laundered fuel.
They also uncovered equipment for the bleaching earth laundry along with an old-style cat litter laundry which had not been in use in recent weeks.
Two men from the North and one with a Co Louth address were arrested by the Garda. They are being held at Dundalk Garda Station.
The discovery was as a result of surveillance activity by Revenue.
Revenue urged motorists to be aware of the risks which laundered fuel posed to their vehicles. The fuel takes funds from the Exchequer, hurts legitimate trade and funds criminal activity, it added.
