GARDAI backed by Customs officials have launched a blitz on motorists using laundered diesel in Co Donegal.
Vehicle checkpoints have been set up in several parts of the county in recent days.
And there will be more of them in the next few weeks.
The latest checkpoint – on the N15 near Laghey – took place yesterday afternoon and evening.
A number of vehicles were stopped and checked with one car seized as it was suspected of being fueled by laundered diesel.
Gardai are also carrying out road tax, insurance and driving licence checks.
It’s understood part of the latest investigations is related to a massive increase in the number of motorists reporting severe mechanical problems with their cars having bought what they believed was legitimate diesel.
Gardai are setting up random checkpoints on main routes throughout Donegal over the next few days.
Customs officials have once again warned motorists to make sure they are purchasing legitimate diesel – and not washed red or green diesel.
A Revenue spokesman said: “Laundering or washing of mineral oil defrauds Revenue of Excise duty and VAT.
“Chemicals used during the laundering process remain in the oil and can cause damage to vehicle engines and pumps.
“Once again the public need to be aware of the damage caused to land and rivers by the waste chemicals resulting from oil laundering. I urge members of the public to contact their nearest Revenue Office if they know of any fuel misuse or suspicious activity in their area.”
Tags:
