Hong Kong Customs seized about 2 900 litres of suspected smuggled diesel oil at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on January 13 and 14 and detained three goods vehicles suspected to be involved. The total estimated market value of the diesel oil and goods vehicles was about $1.25 million.
During anti-smuggling operations conducted on the above-mentioned two days, Customs officers intercepted three outbound goods vehicles at Lok Ma Chau Control Point and seized a total of about 2 900 litres of suspected diesel oil inside the fuel tank with suspected altered structure of each goods vehicle. Three male drivers, aged 34, 40 and 42 respectively, were subsequently arrested.
Customs reminds members of the public that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, January 14, 2022
