Revenue officers seized approximately 15,000 litres of laundered fuel at a premises in Arklow, Co Wicklow.
This included 10,000 litres in an oil tanker and approximately 5,000 litres in a tank on the premises. The oil tanker transporting the laundered fuel was also seized.
Over the last number of years Revenue has prioritised action on the illicit fuel trade. As part of this strategy, a new Fuel Marker (Accutrace S10™) was introduced jointly with HMRC in both Ireland and the UK.
The new marker enables Revenue to test samples of road diesel from distributors, forecourts and transport companies to identify the lower-taxed marked diesel intended for off-road use only, and take appropriate enforcement action where the marker is detected. The new marker was a significant contributor to the detection and seizure today.
Investigations are ongoing in the case, with a view to criminal prosecution.
If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the smuggling or sale of illicit fuel, they should contact Revenue’s Confidential Freephone 1800 295 295.