Two men have been held for suspected involvement in an illegal diesel filling operation in Yuen Long after Fire Services Department officers seized nearly 8,000 litres of fuel and dismantled the site.
The enforcement operation on Monday uncovered 7,984 litres of diesel, with an estimated market value of about HK$292,000, along with equipment believed to have been used to transfer and dispense the fuel. Officers also intercepted two men suspected of running the unauthorised business at the site on Kwu Tung Road.
The case has raised renewed concerns over the safety risks associated with unlicensed fuel operations, where large quantities of flammable material can be stored and transferred outside approved facilities.
Illegal Filling Station Targeted in Enforcement Operation
Fire Services Department task force officers carried out the operation after targeting suspected illegal fueling activity in the Yuen Long area.
During the inspection, officers found a substantial quantity of diesel stored at the site. They also discovered equipment used for handling and transferring fuel, providing investigators with evidence of an operation that appeared to be set up for the unauthorised supply of diesel.
The two men were intercepted during the operation and are suspected of being involved in the running of the illegal filling station.
Authorities said the suspects allegedly breached several pieces of legislation governing fire safety and the handling of dangerous goods.
The alleged offences include violations of the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation, the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and the Dangerous Goods (Control) Regulation.
The laws place controls on activities involving dangerous goods because improper storage, transfer or handling can create serious risks for workers, nearby residents and surrounding properties.
Nearly 8,000 Litres of Diesel Confiscated
The quantity of diesel seized by officers was substantial.
The 7,984 litres recovered from the site have an estimated market value of approximately HK$292,000. According to the department, the amount would be enough to fill the fuel tanks of about 40 medium goods vehicles.
The fuel has been confiscated by the authorities, and the Fire Services Department said it will apply to the court for formal forfeiture.
The seizure removes a large quantity of fuel from an operation that was allegedly taking place outside the regulated system for handling dangerous goods.
Diesel is widely used by commercial vehicles, construction machinery and other heavy equipment. Demand for the fuel creates opportunities for unauthorised suppliers to sell it outside licensed channels, but those operations can involve storage and transfer practices that do not meet the safety standards required by law.
At the Yuen Long site, investigators found not only the fuel itself but also equipment connected with the transfer of diesel. The discovery formed part of the evidence gathered during the enforcement action.
Fire Risks at Unauthorised Fuel Sites
The Fire Services Department has warned that illegal filling stations can present serious dangers because fuel may be stored and transferred without the safeguards required at authorised facilities.
A fire involving a large quantity of diesel could spread quickly and threaten people in the surrounding area. Depending on the location and the amount of fuel present, an incident could also damage nearby buildings, vehicles and other property.
The risks increase when fuel is transferred between storage containers and vehicles using equipment that has not been approved or operated under proper safety controls.
The department warned that a fire at an illegal filling operation could result in severe casualties and extensive property damage, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Such risks are not limited to people working at the site. Neighbours, passing motorists, pedestrians and emergency responders could also be exposed if a fire or other dangerous incident occurs.
An unauthorised fuel operation can also create difficulties for firefighters because emergency crews may have to deal with large quantities of dangerous goods while trying to prevent flames from spreading to nearby structures.
Authorities Warn Public Against Illegal Fuel Suppliers
Following the operation, the Fire Services Department repeated its warning against illegal fueling activities and urged members of the public not to use unauthorised filling stations.
The appeal is aimed at motorists and operators who may be tempted by cheaper fuel prices or the convenience of buying diesel outside licensed premises.
Officials stressed that using illegal filling stations can contribute to the continued operation of businesses that handle dangerous goods without complying with the required safety rules.
The department said it remains committed to taking enforcement action against different forms of illicit fueling activity.
Monday's operation forms part of those efforts, with officers targeting suspected sites and removing fuel and equipment used in unauthorised operations.
The seizure also demonstrates the scale at which illegal fuel businesses can operate. Almost 8,000 litres of diesel were found at a single location, representing a significant volume of fuel capable of supplying dozens of commercial vehicles.
Investigation Continues
The two men remain at the centre of the investigation into the suspected illegal filling station.
The allegations concern breaches of fire safety and dangerous goods legislation, and any further legal action will depend on the outcome of the investigation and court proceedings.
The Fire Services Department is also seeking formal forfeiture of the seized diesel through the courts.
For authorities, the case is not simply about an unlicensed commercial activity. The storage and movement of thousands of litres of fuel at an unauthorised location can create a direct fire hazard, particularly if the site lacks appropriate equipment, storage arrangements and safety procedures.
The department's warning is therefore directed at both operators and customers. Businesses that store or transfer fuel outside the legal framework can face enforcement action, while people who purchase fuel from such sites may unknowingly support an operation that poses risks to the wider community.
The seizure on Kwu Tung Road has removed almost 8,000 litres of diesel from the suspected operation, along with the equipment used to handle it. Authorities will now pursue the case under the relevant fire safety and dangerous goods laws, while the court will determine the next legal steps concerning the confiscated fuel and the two suspects.