30,000 litres of illicit fuel seized in crackdown

Authorities in Hong Kong made a significant seizure, confiscating over 30,000 litres of illicit fuel and arresting nine individuals during a two-week operation targeting illicit fuelling activities. The joint operation between September 16 and 30 was conducted by Customs and the Fire Services Department, with the aim of disrupting the source and supply of illicit fuel and combating related activities in urban areas.

During one of the raids, customs officers targeted two illicit fuel storage sites in San Tin and Tuen Mun, recovering approximately 12,000 litres of duty-not-paid motor spirit. The seized fuel, valued at an estimated HK$1.7 million, was part of a network where criminals transported smuggled fuel from the mainland to fuelling stations in Kowloon Bay, Kwun Tong, Kam Tin, Kwai Chung, and Tuen Mun. The seized fuel was believed to be en route to these locations via transit points.

The operation highlighted the criminal nature of patronising illicit fuelling stations, with authorities warning residents that such activities are punishable by law. Vehicles involved in illicit fuelling could also be confiscated. To help combat the issue, the public is encouraged to report any suspected illicit fuel activities to the customs department's 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or the Fire Services Department's 24-hour hotline at 5577 9666.