Hong Kong Customs detects case of suspected smuggling of illicit fuel
Hong Kong Customs on February 6 detected an illicit fuel smuggling case involving a cross-boundary lorry at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and found a suspected altered structure inside the fuel tanks of the tractor of the lorry. Approximately 1 320 litres of unmanifested motor spirit were seized along with the arrest of a 66-year-old male driver. The tractor of the lorry was also detained.
The arrestee is suspected of smuggling illicit fuel and violating the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Dangerous Goods Ordinance.
Customs reminds cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers not to engage in any smuggling activities. Under the IEO, any vehicle found to have the fittings, fabric or structure altered and used for smuggling purposes may be subject to forfeiture.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
In addition, 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 suspected smuggling 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).
Hong Kong Customs detects case of suspected smuggling of illicit fuel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects case of suspected smuggling of illicit fuel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects case of suspected smuggling of illicit fuel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Statement by ExCo Non-official Members
The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:
Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo Non-official Members) today (February 9) issued the following statement:
The Court of First Instance of the High Court today passed sentences in the Lai Chee-ying case. ExCo Non-official Members stated that Lai Chee-ying and the other defendants in the case endangered national security and undermined social stability, which are serious offences. The court's convictions and the sentences imposed on the defendants have demonstrated the justice of the law, with the court's judgment based strictly on the law and evidence, free from any interference.
ExCo Non-official Members emphasised that the court had conducted an open and fair trial of the Lai Chee-ying case in accordance with the law. Anyone who violates the law must be held accountable, and any actions endangering national security must be severely punished by the law. No one can escape justice. The court's convictions and the severe sentences imposed on the defendants represent a crucial manifestation of resolutely safeguarding national security, implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law and upholding the rule of law. This is of significant importance in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for acts and activities endangering national security, fully reflecting the steadfast and successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.
ExCo Non-official Members will continue to fully support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in resolutely, fully and faithfully implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, while also upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law.
Source: AI-found images
