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Customs officers will continue taking vigorous enforcement actions against illicit oil activities.

The assurance is given by a spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (July 23) following the conclusion of a two-day territory-wide operation in the New Territories against illicit oil activities on July 20 and 22.

During the operation, Customs officers from the Diesel Oil Enforcement Division and the Land Enforcement Division smashed a synthetic motor spirit plant in Pak Sha Tsuen, Yuen Long and an illicit oil storage and distribution centre in Tai Wo Service Road West, Tai Po.

The officers made the seizure of 5 105 litres of synthetic motor spirit, 1 400 litres of diesel oil and 300 litres of marked oil, as well as impounded two lorries, totally worth over $160,000.

Five men, aged 18 to 36, were arrested. They will later be charged with "Dealing with goods to which Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies".

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, the maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $1 million and two years' imprisonment.

"We believe that the illicit oil plant and the distribution centre supply synthetic motor spirit to filling stations in the New Territories," the spokesman said.

The spokesman warned that the use of illicit oil is a criminal offence. Drivers concerned, once convicted, would have a criminal record and their vehicles would be forfeited.

He reiterated that starting from July 28, 2000, drivers convicted twice in connection with illicit oil activities would have their driving licence suspended for six months.

Drivers convicted thrice or more would have their driving licence suspended for more than six months, the spokesman added.

He also appealed to members of the public, having information on any suspected illicit oil activities, to call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

End/Monday, July 23, 2001

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