Four held in connection with oil laundering operation released

Four men being held by gardaí in connection with the discovery of an oil laundering operation in Co Meath were last night released without charge.

The outfit, which was uncovered at Knightstown yesterday, is thought to have been big enough to launder eight million litres of fuel a year, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of around €4m.

Gardaí and customs officers seized 30,000 litres of laundered fuel, 12,000 litres of 'sludge', two tanker trailer-units and four vehicles at the Knightstown site.

The case is pending a file being sent to the Director of Prosecutions.