The Fire Services Department's task force targeting illegal fuel transfer operations has dismantled six illegal refueling stations in the North District and Kwai Tsing over the past two days, seizing about 128,000 liters of diesel worth over HK$4 million.
In the operation codenamed "Flow Stopper" conducted on March 14 and 15, officers discovered eight licensed dangerous goods tanker vehicles and a large quantity of refueling equipment at locations on Man Kam To Road in Sheung Shui and on Ngong Wan Road in Kwai Tsing.
Four men and two women were intercepted in connection with the case. They will be prosecuted for alleged breaches of the Fire Safety (Fire Hazard) Regulation, the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, and the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation.
To ensure public safety, the department has suspended the licenses of the dangerous goods vehicles involved. If the license holders are convicted, their licenses will be revoked, prohibiting the vehicles from continuing to transport dangerous goods. The seized diesel will be subject to confiscation proceedings in court.
The Fire Services Department warned that operating illegal refueling stations is a serious offense. Offenders face a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and six months' imprisonment on first conviction, rising to HK$200,000 and one year for subsequent convictions.
The department urged the public not to patronize illegal fuel stations, which are not built to international safety standards and lack proper fire safety equipment, posing serious risks in case of fire.
