Professionalism displayed by Customs officers of the Diesel Oil Enforcement Division resulted in the neutralisation of an illicit oil detreating plant at Shan Ha Tsuen in Yuen Long this morning (February 1).
Following close surveillance at Shan Ha Tsuen this morning, Customs officers intercepted a suspicious goods vehicle, leading to the seizure of 14,600 litres of detreated oil on board and the arrest of a 24-year-old male driver.
In addition, the officers smashed an altered container suspected to be used as an oil detreating plant. They seized 900 litres of detreated oil, a batch of oil detreating equipment, pumps and plastic pipes.
The seized goods were worth about $130,000; and the seized illicit oil carried a duty potential of $46,000.
A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said today (February 1), "We believe that the goods vehicle was to convey the detreated oil to the northern part of the New Territories for sale at illicit oil refilling stations."
The spokesman warned that the use of illicit oil is a criminal offence. Drivers concerned, once convicted, would have a criminal record and their vehicles would be forfeited. He would also be liable to a maximum fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Drivers convicted twice in connection with illicit oil offence would have their driving licence suspended for six months. Drivers convicted thrice or more would have their driving licence suspended for more than six months.
If members of the public come across any suspected illicit oil activities, they are urged to call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 to report.
Ends/Tuesday, February 1, 2005