Yuen Long illegal petrol station raided in tin yard
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs and the Fire Services Department carried out an anti-illicit fuel operation in Yuen Long on September 7, uncovering an illegal petrol filling station at a fenced tin-sheet yard near homes in Yuen Kong San Tsuen. Officers seized about 400 litres of suspected duty-unpaid petrol, along with fuel-handling equipment, and said they would continue investigating the source of the fuel and did not rule out arrests later.
Key Points
- The joint operation was conducted by Customs and the Fire Services Department in Yuen Long on September 7 as part of enforcement against illegal fuel activities.
- Officers found the suspected illegal petrol station at a remote fenced tin-sheet yard in the Yuen Kong San Tsuen area after detecting a strong petrol smell.
- About 400 litres of suspected duty-unpaid petrol were seized, with an estimated market value of about HK$14,000 and dutiable value of about HK$2,500.
- Investigators also removed suspected fuel and related equipment from the site for further examination, and said arrests were still possible.
- Customs said the site was close to residential premises and warned that any accident there could endanger the public with serious consequences.
Why It Matters
The case points to both tax evasion and fire risk, because an unlicensed petrol operation near homes lacks compliant fire-prevention equipment and installations, according to Customs. The department said it would trace the source of the suspected duty-unpaid petrol and handle and confiscate tools or equipment under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.