ENG-2008 — Page 377

Public Order 309

Illicit fuel activities involving motor spirit remained a prime concern. The department took sustained action to stamp out illicit filling stations, illegal fuel offloading and storage spots. It also conducted joint operations with the Fire Services Department to stop illicit fuel activities at commercial premises such as garages and car beauty saloons. Action was also taken at sea and at land boundaries to prevent smuggling of illicit fuel.

In 2008, a total of 604 people were arrested for illicit fuel activities and 283 000 litres of illicit fuel were seized. The amount of illicit oil seized in 2008 was about 70 per cent less than that of 2007.

Anti-narcotics Operations

The department continues to take vigorous enforcement action to prevent and suppress the unlawful manufacture, distribution and trafficking of dangerous drugs; to trace, confiscate and recover drug proceeds from illegal drug activities; and to prevent the diversion of chemicals used for the illicit manufacture of dangerous drugs. It also maintains close co-operation and exchange of intelligence with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking.

In 2008, the department dealt with 148 drug trafficking cases and neutralised six drug storage and distribution centres. A total of 624 kilogrammes of assorted dangerous drugs were seized and 647 arrests were made. Significant cases included the historic seizure of 307 kilogrammes of ketamine from a cargo shipment at the Hong Kong International Airport. Co-operation with other customs administrations resulted in the seizure of 500 kilogrammes of precursor chemicals and 28 kilogrammes of assorted dangerous drugs in the Mainland and overseas.

As part of the Government's vigorous efforts to combat the youth drug abuse problem, the department stepped up enforcement at boundary control points by deploying more detector dogs and conducting more operations carried out by plainclothes officers, exchanging intelligence and mounting parallel operations with Customs counterparts in Guangdong and Shenzhen. It also collaborates with non- government organisations to help young people to stay away from drugs and to lead a healthy life.

Boundary Control

During the staging of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong, the department stepped up customs controls at the Hong Kong International Airport and other boundary control points to safeguard public safety and security. It also worked closely with the Mainland customs and local law enforcement agencies to exchange intelligence and mount joint enforcement actions to detect and prevent the smuggling of items that posed security risks and other contrabands. During the events, the department provided a smooth and speedy clearance service for competitors and their horses and equipment, guests and spectators arriving in Hong Kong.