Hong Kong Customs detects case of suspected illicit motor spirit (with photo)
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Customs officers yesterday afternoon identified a suspicious speedboat in the waters off Ninepin Group. While the officers then took action, the speedboat immediately proceeded at high speed towards the south-eastern waters of Hong Kong, when persons on board threw numerous jerry cans into the sea. Customs officers eventually intercepted the speedboat and retrieved the batch of jerry cans from the water. Upon inspection, the batch of illicit motor spirit, with an estimated market value of about $19,000 and a duty potential of about $3,600, was found in 22 jerry cans. Three men aged between 34 and 46, suspected of violating the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO), were arrested.
Under the DCO, anyone involved in importing, dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit motor spirit commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any illicit fuel activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:15
Issued at HKT 18:15
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