A light goods vehicle driver has been arrested after authorities seized about 4,150 litres of suspected illicit fuel in Aberdeen.

Authorities also seized the vehicle and a sampan in a cross-departmental operation held by police, customs, and the Fire Services Department that took place on Thursday.

The suspected illicit fuel that was untaxed had an estimated market value of HK$136,000.

Police senior inspector Kwan Ka-ki said a syndicate with triad background had allegedly used sampans and rafts to store suspected illicit fuel at the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.

Officers found about 1,800 litres of suspected illicit fuel on the vehicle parked nearby and 84 barrels of suspected illicit fuel in the sampan.

“Following in-depth investigation and intelligence analysis, police found that the syndicate made use of vehicles to transport illicit fuel from other places to the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market area, then used speedboats to transport them to the typhoon shelter,” she said.

“They then used specific vessels parked at the shelter as mobile fuel storage to illegally store a large amount of illicit fuel.”

The probe also showed that the illicit fuel was used to supply vessels involved in smuggling activities, Kwan said.

Senior station officer Yeung Chun-wa from the Fire Services Department said the 34-year-old arrestee will be prosecuted for allegedly violating the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation.

“There are residential estates near the site. In case of fire or explosion, it could lead to massive injuries and casualties, and significant financial losses,” he said.

Authorities did not rule out further arrests.


Edited by Aaron Tam