CONFIDENTIAL
XCCI(92)31
9
Smuggled vehicles fall into two categories. Those which are stolen and illicitly exported, and left hand drive vehicles legitimately acquired and subsequently illegally transported to China.
10
A more ominous aspect of smuggling is the transportation of arms and persons from China intent on committing crimes in the Territory. This type of activity has been confirmed by arrests of syndicated gangs from China. It is similarly assessed that the more enterprising smugglers may also convey illegal immigrants at the same time.
Establishment of the Anti-Smuggling Task Force
11
Against this background, on 6 February 1991, the Secretary for Security in the Legislative Council outlined the Government's approach to increased smuggling activities. He announced the establishment of the Anti-Smuggling Task Force (ASTF) which was formed under the command of a Senior Police Officer (Deputy Regional Commander Marine), comprising Police, Customs & Excise and Military elements to be assisted by a Support Group co-ordinated by Security Branch. The terms of reference of the ASTF are -
(a)
to co-ordinate intelligence and devise operational strategy and tactics to prevent smuggling at sea, particularly by speedboat;
(b)
(c)
to co-ordinate inter-departmental action in the implementation of the strategy; and
to advise the Support Group on legislative changes and other resources required.
Measures to Combat Smuggling
12
Tackling the problem at sea is fraught with difficulty. The smugglers' boats are very fast. Even if they can be intercepted, they cannot be made to stop. Bringing firepower to bear might stimulate a matching response by the smugglers and people on both sides would be killed. It is not considered that the nature of the offence justifies firing on smugglers as a general policy.
Executive Council