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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling and seized about 22 400 litres of suspected marked oil, valued at about $94,000 from a fishing vessel off Sha Chau waters yesterday (February 22).
Customs officers intercepted a fishing vessel off Sha Chau waters for search yesterday afternoon and found a large amount of unmanifested suspected marked oil in the fuel tanks. Two men, who were the coxswain and crew member aged 45 and 50, were arrested. The case is still under investigation.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
The Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities. Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities to the Customs through the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:52
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