A 34-year-old lorry driver was arrested after about 4,150 litres of suspected duty-unpaid fuel were seized during a joint operation in Aberdeen on August 27, authorities said. Police, customs and fire officers targeted locations around Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market and Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter.
The operation covered an area close to residential districts. Fire Services officials warned that a fire or explosion at the site could cause significant casualties and serious damage to property.
Officers seized a vehicle and a sampan. Reports said about 1,800 litres of fuel were found in the vehicle, while 84 fuel drums were found inside the sampan.
According to police, the suspected network allegedly used vehicles to move fuel from elsewhere to the fish market area, before transferring it by speedboat to the typhoon shelter. Vessels moored there were allegedly used as mobile storage facilities.
Authorities suspect the fuel was intended for vessels involved in smuggling activities. The seized fuel was estimated to have a market value of about HK$136,000 and a duty value of about HK$25,000.
Some reports, citing the police investigation, described the suspected network as having a triad background or being controlled by triads. That allegation has not been established. Officials said the arrested man was suspected of offences relating to dangerous goods, while reports differed over the precise legislation and charges involved.
The investigation is continuing, and authorities said further arrests have not been ruled out.