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Police are detaining the driver of a medium goods vehicle (MGV) arrested for arranging unauthorised entrants to Hong Kong and two illegal immigrants (IIs) found hiding underneath the MGV at Lok Ma Chau Border Crossing Point (LMCBCP) yesterday (Monday).

About 7.15 pm yesterday, Police officers conducting anti-illegal immigration checks at LMCBCP found two men hiding underneath an MGV.

The duo, aged 21 and 27 respectively, were found to be IIs and were arrested.

They reportedly each paid $200 to the MGV driver who allowed them to hide underneath his vehicle to sneak into Hong Kong from Huanggang yesterday.

The MGV driver, aged 38, were then arrested for arranging passage to Hong Kong of unauthorised entrants.

In a subsequent search in the compartment of the MGV, $400 was found kept inside a box.

The three are still being detained for further enquiries.

Investigations by District Investigation Team, Border, are continuing.

A Police spokesman reminded drivers, especially those of goods vehicles, that anyone commits the offence of arranging passage to Hong Kong of unauthorised entrants is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $5,000,000 and to life imprisonment.

On summary conviction, the offender is liable to a fine of $100,000 and to three year's imprisonment.

The spokesman urged the Mainlanders not to put their lives at risk because hiding underneath a goods vehicle is very dangerous.

He also reiterated that all IIs caught will be repatriated immediately, and their aidors and abettors prosecuted accordingly.

Add Police Report No.2

Issued by PPRB

End/ hrs, Tuesday, March 2, 1999 (EC/PW)

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