Gardai Seize Laundered Fuel In Dublin, Galway, Louth

Business & Finance - Industry

Friday, 04 November 2011 11:35

Written by Katrina Doyle

Revenue officials backed up by armed Gardaí last night seized 158,000 litres of laundered fuel along with 39,000 euro.

The raids were carried out on 10 filling stations, a fuel depot and 2 private residences in counties Dublin, Galway and Louth.

Retail Ireland Chairman and Topaz Retail Director Frank Gleeson congratulated those involved in seizing the laundered fuel.

He said: "There is a compelling case for a greater focus on the illegal fuel trade which costs the Exchequer at least €150 million annually in lost taxes. Recent import figures suggest that at least 12% of all diesel sold in Ireland is illegal. Some of the decline in retail sales and VAT receipts is due to this criminal activity.

"These latest seizures by Revenue and the Gardaí in Dublin, Galway and Louth disprove the common misconception that the majority of laundered fuel is only available in border counties. Earlier in the year enormous quantities of illegal fuel were seized in Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly and Dublin. This suggests that the illegal fuel market is spreading in Ireland.

"The public should be aware that using illegal diesel can seriously damage cars. Furthermore illegal diesel plants inflict substantial environmental damage where they operate, polluting local water with harmful consequences for livestock”, he added.