Hong Kong authorities bust illicit fuel operations in Sheung Shui and Yuen Long

Hong Kong Customs, the Fire Services Department, and the Police Force conducted a joint raid on Thursday, uncovering an illicit fuel storage site in Sheung Shui and an illegal fueling station in Yuen Long, seizing around 5,600 liters of untaxed motor spirit valued at over HK$160,000 with HK$34,000 in evaded duty.

Hong Kong Customs, the Fire Services Department, and the Hong Kong Police Force carried out a joint anti-illicit fuel operation on March 19, detecting illicit fuel storage in Sheung Shui and an illegal fueling station in Yuen Long. 

Authorities seized approximately 5,600 liters of illicit motor spirit, worth over HK$160,000, along with fueling tools and an estimated HK$34,000 in evaded duty.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, vehicles transporting illicit fuel and related equipment face forfeiture, even without convictions. Possession, sale, or purchase of such fuel is illegal, carrying a maximum penalty of an HK$1 million fine and two years' imprisonment.

The Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation prohibits possessing controlled substances for transferring into vehicle tanks for business purposes. 

The Dangerous Goods Ordinance requires licenses for handling dangerous goods; violations bring fines up to HK$100,000 and six months' jail for first offenses, doubling for repeats.

Customs will maintain collaboration with the Fire Services Department and Police for surprise inspections at illicit fuel hotspots. 

The Fire Services Department will refer suspected land lease breaches for follow-up. 

The public is urged to avoid illegal fueling stations, which lack proper fire safety measures and risk catastrophic fires. 

Report suspicions to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, Fire Services' 5577 9666, or the Fire Hazard Electronic Complaint Portal.