THREE MEN were arrested after the discovery of a multimillion euro diesel-laundering operation in Co Donegal.
The arrests follow a lengthy undercover operation outside the Border village of Castlefin. Customs officers supported by gardaí raided the plant and seized more than 12,000 litres of illegal diesel. A number of vehicles, including a van and a car, were seized.
The three arrested, who have addresses in Northern Ireland, were taken to Letterkenny Garda station for questioning.
Customs officers say the plant had the capacity to produce more than three million litres of fuel each year, with an estimated loss to the exchequer of €1.3 million.
Officers said the gang was using cat litter to “wash” the green diesel and make it appear as regular diesel so it could be sold to garages and on to unsuspecting motorists.
Seán Kelleher, Customs enforcement manager for the Border region, said the diesel was destined for the local market.
“It was not going to travel down south. It was going to travel locally and be used within a 20 to 30-mile radius of where it was being washed.”
He estimated that green diesel was being bought for 80 cent a litre and when washed was being passed on to garages for up to €1.40 a litre.
“That is a lot of profit and you can see the attraction. If people are aware or suspicious that there are such plants in their locality they should contact us immediately.”
This is the sixth diesel-laundering facility uncovered in the State since the beginning of the year, compared to just four last year. “This shows that the market is there for this product, and it shows the length people are going to in order to cash in,” added Mr Kelleher.
He also warned that such diesel causes damage to cars if used on a continuous basis.
“This washed diesel does not contain lubricants and over time it can cause all sorts of harm to engines, which is another reason why it is dangerous.”