Customs officers  at Lok Ma Chau control point have arrested a 48-year-old driver for smuggling 1.1 million duty-not-paid cigarettes worth $2.7 million, with a duty potential of about $1.8 million.

The officers stopped an incoming cross-boundary lorry declared to have 880 boxes of moulds and plastic toys at about 6.30am today.

They found the illicit cigarettes in 90 cartons, mixed with other goods and concealed in the rear of the lorry.

They also seized the lorry.

Department of Health officers and Police arrested a 40-year-old salesman for the illegal sale of an antibiotic during a raid of a pharmacy in Siu Sai Wan today.

The pharmacy was found to be selling a bottle of topical antibiotic solution without a doctor's prescription.

The antibiotic contains clindamycin, used for treating acne. Its side effects including skin irritations such as swelling, itching, and peeling.

The product can be supplied only by registered pharmacists or under their supervision, and requires a doctor's prescription.

The Fire Services Department will launch a trial scheme aimed at reducing Fire Stream members' conditioned working hours to 51 hours a week from 54, the department announced today.

The scheme will launch in three phases. Phase 1, starting March 15, will involve Fire Stream staff in the Hong Kong command including all land divisions on Hong Kong Island, the Marine & Offshore Islands Division and the Diving Unit.

Phase 2, expected to start from June 25, will include more divisions as appropriate. Each phase may be extended if required.

Phase 3 covers all operational Fire Stream members in Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories commands. This phase is expected to start on October 5 and could last for up to three years, depending on  the scheme’s progress.

The trial will consider operational efficiency, front-line staff's safety and the target response time, without adding cost or manpower. Management will monitor its implementation to ensure that service levels are maintained.

After final endorsement, the department may study the feasibility of cutting weekly conditioned working hours to 48.