Smuggled motor spirit seized at land boundary control points

26 May 2005

Customs officers of Sha Tau Kok and Lok Ma Chau Control Points yesterday (May 25) cracked two cases of lorries smuggling motor spirit into Hong Kong from the Mainland.

They seized a total of about 32,600 litres of motor spirit, which was worth about $431,000 and with a duty potential of $198,000.

Shortly before 7.30 pm, Customs Officers intercepted an incoming lorry for search at the Sha Tau Kok Control Point. As a result, 648 jerry cans (16,200 litres) of duty-not-paid motor spirit falsely declared as organic solvent were found inside the cargo compartment. The seized motor spirit was worth about $213,800, carrying a duty potential of about $98,100. A 42-year-old man was arrested.

About three hours later on the same day, Customs officers stationing at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point intercepted another incoming lorry for search and found another 659 jerry cans (16,475 litres) of duty-not-paid motor spirit. The motor spirit inside the cargo compartment had been falsely declared as liquid detergent. Customs officers seized the motor spirit which was worth about $217,400 and with a duty potential of about $99,800; and arrested a 35-year-old man.

The two arrested drivers were later bailed out pending further investigation.

A spokesman of the Customs and Excise Department said today (May 26), "Hong Kong Customs officers have been tightening enforcement actions to curb smuggling of motor spirit."

He appealed to the public not to use illicit motor spirit, warning that the maximum penalty for contravention is $1 million fine and 2 years' imprisonment.

Members of the public are encouraged to call the Customs 24 hour hotline 2545 6182 to report illicit fuel activities.

Ends/Thursday, May 26, 2005

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