Smugglers face their toughest time ever as the Force launched its new ultra-high-speed interceptor craft on May 29.

The five Cougartek SS 1500s are specially built to cope with extremely hazardous and challenging sea conditions, being fast and highly manoeuvrable for crews to operate with the latest electronic navigation and communications systems.

At $7.5 million each, they were designed in the United Kingdom and built in Holland replacing the tai feis seized during anti-smuggling operations and modified for use by the Anti-Smuggling Task Force over the past eight years. Measuring 14.77 metres in length and with the hull made of marine grade aluminium, the vessels were optimised for transversing heavy waves at more than 60 knots.

They are fitted with high freeboards to provide greater protection to crew members in rough seas.

Speaking at the commissioning of the launches, Commissioner Eddie Hui Ki-on said they marked a significant upgrade in Police maritime resources and showed the Force's determination to combat the use of high-speed craft for criminal activities.

"The vessels have been designed with input from the Task Force personnel based on hard-won experience gained over the years whilst operating the Police tai feis. These new vessels have already proved their worth since coming into service in August 1999 by intercepting three tai feis and 24 chung feis and seizing goods in excess of $20 million,"Mr Hui said.

He also thanked and acknowledged the contributions made by various parties involved in the high-speed interceptor craft replacement programme, including the Marine Department, Marine Region and Communications Branch.