Stringent measures against illegal possession and discharge of fireworks will be enforced during the run-up to the Lunar New Year following the seizure of 240kg of pyrotechnics in Pat Heung, worth about $39,000.

Police Senior Superintendent Leung King-hang said illegal discharge of fireworks in some rural areas had been seen in the past, especially during the New Year period.

A total of 7,199kg of fireworks were seized and 16 people arrested in the northern New Territories last year.

"We will spare no effort in cracking down on all fireworks-related offences," he said.

As the New Year approaches, patrols have been stepped up in rural areas.

A total of 239kg of fireworks were seized from an abandoned container in Shek Wu Tong at 4pm yesterday, while 7kg of 'coconut' firecrackers were seized in another abandoned container in Shek Wu Tong at 10am today.

Under the Dangerous Goods (General) Ordinance, anyone found unlawfully possessing or discharging fireworks will face a maximum penalty of $25,000 and six months' prison.