Commissioner Chan Tsz-tat said most of the activities were carried out at remote places in the New Territories.
“In the past few months, we have seized a total of 15 vehicles. Eight of them – six private vehicles and two trucks – were allegedly involved in cross-boundary transport of motor spirit to Hong Kong. We will also apply to the court for confiscation,” Chan said.
“Apart from the eight vehicles, there were seven other vehicles that were allegedly involved in illicit fuelling and seized by us.”
The customs chief called for amendments to the law so authorities could crack down on the illicit trade more effectively.
Separately, Chan believes a ban on the possession or use of alternative smoking products in public since April 30 – including vapes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco – would ease smuggling activities, given the drop in demand.
Speaking to the media as the three-day 27th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference drew to a close, the customs and excise commissioner said the SAR was unanimously endorsed by members to carry on as the vice-chair for another two years to 2028.
The nomination is pending endorsement by the WCO’s Customs Cooperation Council sessions next month.
