Revenue’s Customs Service, supported by the State Laboratory, detected suspected laundered fuel for sale at two filling stations in Co. Meath and Co. Roscommon, last Saturday (October 19), as part of an intelligence-led operation.
Both premises were searched under warrant and 38,000L of fuel was removed for further examination. Revenue has confirmed that Investigations are ongoing.
According to Revenue, the illicit trade in fuels is a serious threat to the Exchequer.
It stated: “In addition to the monetary loss, both fuel smuggling and laundering undermine the competitiveness of legitimate businesses, damage the environment, damage consumers’ vehicles and help to sustain organised criminal networks.”
These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting fuel laundering and shadow economy activity.
If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding illegal activity such as fuel laundering, Revenue is urging them to report it by contacting them in confidence on 1800 295 295.
Monitoring fuel
Separately, last month, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) ordered the seizure of vehicles following the discovery of a suspected fuel laundering plant in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh.
The plant was discovered on September 9 when the PSNI District Support Team along with Local Policing Team officers were patrolling the area and observed a lorry baring false registration plates travelling through the town.
The crews stopped the lorry shortly after at this particular yard, and could confirm that the vehicle was not insured, was baring false plates, and had not been taxed for the last 13 years, since 2011.
Following further enquiries in the yard, several other lorries were found to be using the substance.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seized a total of 11 vehicles, including 10 lorries and a van.
Two trailer units were also seized during the investigation and hundreds of litres of rebated fuel was discovered at the site.