Customs officers have smashed a self-service illicit fuel refilling station in Hung Shui Kiu, Yuen Long. They arrested 13 people and seized 26 coaches, a tow truck and an oil tanker.

A total of 6,000 litres of illicit fuel, worth about $29,520 with a duty potential of $17,340, were also seized.

The arrested, 12 men and a woman aged from 25 to 60, will be charged with "being in charge of a motor vehicle with marked oil in the fuel tank" and "placing marked oil in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle".

Diesel Oil Enforcement Division Divisional Commander Lam Sze-hau said this year's first quarter saw the arrest of 53 people in 51 cases relating to the use of illicit fuel in fuel tanks. A total of 265 people were arrested in 251 such cases last year.

Using illicit fuel a criminal offence

The use of illicit fuel is a criminal offence. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, buying and selling illicit oil is liable to prosecution and the maximum penalty is a $1 million fine and two years' jail.

Drivers concerned, once convicted, will have a criminal record and their vehicles will be forfeited. When convicted twice in connection with illicit oil offences, drivers will have their driving licence suspended for six months. Those convicted three or more times will have their driving licence suspended for more than six months.