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In an operation codenamed "Operation Net-casting" in Ma On Shan, Sha Tin and Tai Po, Customs officers of Diesel Oil Enforcement Division this morning (June 7) smashed an illicit oil syndicate.
From three oil tankers they seized 3,300 litres of detreated oil and 2,000 litres of marked oil. The seizure value was about $28,000.
A batch of equipment for supplying and detreating oil was also seized.
Investigations showed that the syndicate converted oil tankers into mobile detreating plants for selling illicit fuel.
The oil tankers were installed with filtering systems for detreating oil.
Eight men, aged between 25 and 51, were arrested. They included two oil tanker drivers, believed to be the syndicate masterminds, and six lorry drivers who filled detreated oil from the oil tankers.
They will be charged with "dealing with goods to which Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies" or "possession of goods to which Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies".
The investigation is continuing.
Deputy Head of Revenue and General Investigation Bureau, Mr Ng Yan-kwong, said some drivers had opted for detreated oil as the price in the black market was 30% to 40% less than that of diesel oil.
He stressed that Customs would continue taking enforcement action against illicit oil activities.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, buying and selling illicit oil is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Convicted drivers will have a criminal record and their vehicles will be forfeited.
When convicted twice in connection with illicit oil offence, drivers will have their driving licence suspended for six months. Those convicted three or more times will have their driving licence suspended for more than six months.
The public is advised to call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 to report suspected illicit oil activities.
Ends/Thursday, June 7, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:53
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