Two held over illegal fuel plant

Two men were arrested today after a black market fuel plant was uncovered.

Two men were arrested today after a black market fuel plant was uncovered.

The massive laundering unit, capable of processing about 100,000 litres a week, was found near Daingean, Co Offaly.

It cost the Exchequer potentially €50,000 a week.

Officers from Revenue’s Customs Service seized 12,500 litres of laundered fuel, one vehicle and one gravel truck with a concealed 20,000 litre tank.

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Customs also dismantled and seized ancillary equipment.

A man in his 50s was arrested at the scene and another man in his 40s was subsequently arrested in Tullamore.

In simultaneous operations in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath and near Tuam Co Galway, Customs officers seized 14,000 and 50,000 litres of product pending further investigation.