Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 23) swooped on an illicit fuel and cigarette storage centre in Yuen Long, resulting in the seizure of 2,500 litres of illicit motor spirit and 0.2 million illicit cigarettes with a total value of about $0.4 million and a duty potential of $0.3 million. Three men and a woman, aged from 24 to 49, were arrested. A light goods vehicle suspected of being used to convey the illicit fuel and cigarettes was also seized.
Acting on intelligence, Customs officers yesterday conducted an operation in Fung Kat Heung, Yuen Long, and successfully intercepted a light goods vehicle carrying 600 litres of illicit motor spirit and 3,200 illicit cigarettes. Upon follow-up investigation at a metal hut nearby, another 1,900 litres of illicit motor spirit and 160,000 illicit cigarettes were seized. An underground fuel tank was also found.
The Divisional Commander (Anti-Illicit-Fuel Investigation) of Customs, Mr Jesse Wong, said today (November 24), "Initial findings show that the offenders attempted to evade Customs' investigation by setting up an illicit fuel and cigarettes storage centre in a remote area and using vehicles for distribution to various locations."
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession, selling and buying illicit fuel or cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is imprisonment for two years and a fine of $1 million.
Mr Wong noted that Hong Kong Customs would continue to spare no effort in combating illicit fuel or cigarette activities. He urged members of the public to report any such activities to the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, November 24, 2011
