Customs officers smashed nine illicit motor spirit off-loading centres in the North District, New Territories in a five-day operation.
The operation, codenamed "Thunder-twister", aimed at cracking down on smuggling activities of illicit motor spirit from the Mainland into Hong Kong by private cars in multiple trips, for off-loading and distribution at unlawful fuelling stations in remote areas in the New Territories.
In the raids against nine illicit motor spirit off-loading centres between November 5 to 9 (today), Customs officers seized a total of 9,270 litres of illicit motor spirit, worth $460,000 and with a duty potential of about $55,800. They also impounded seven private cars and three light goods vehicles.
Nine local and two Mainland men, aged between 22 and 49, were arrested. Of them, four were operators of the illicit fuel off-loading centres while seven were drivers.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, buying and selling illicit oil is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Drivers concerned, once convicted, will have a criminal record and their vehicles will be forfeited.
When convicted twice in connection with illicit oil offence, drivers will have their driving licence suspended for six months. Those convicted thrice or more will have their driving licence suspended for more than six months.
The spokesman stressed that the Customs would continue to take vigorous enforcement actions against illicit oil activities. He also appealed to members of the public to call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 to report suspected illicit oil activities.
Ends/Friday, November 9, 2007
