Revenue Customs officers have uncovered two mobile oil laundering plants in Dundalk, Co. Louth. The discoveries were made early this morning in what Revenue is calling "connected and simultaneous operations".

The first was found in Ravensdale Park with the capacity to launder some 15 million litres of fuel per year and a potential loss to the exchequer of €8 million. Revenue officials were supported by the armed Regional Support Unit and local Gardai.

The laundry which was hidden in a curtain-sided lorry on commercial premises was processing fuel when it was uncovered.

Equipment, vehicles seized

4 lorries, one of which had a concealed tank for transporting fuel, 3 oil tankers, 28,000 litres of fuel and ancillary equipment were seized by Revenue's Customs Service. While 3 tonnes of toxic waste were also uncovered by officials at the scene.

In the second search a slurry tank adapted for use as a mobile oil laundry was uncovered at a private residence and adjoining yard. 100 bags of bleaching earth for use in the laundering process and 6,000 litres of fuel were seized and 6 vehicles at the site were also held

Revenue says investigations are on-going.