Hong Kong Customs today (September 18) seized about 270 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $740,000 and a duty potential of about $510,000 in Wong Tai Sin.
Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Wong Tai Sin this morning and seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes in a public rental housing (PRH) unit at a public housing estate in the district. A 60-year-old woman involved in the case was arrested. Upon initial investigation, it was suspected that the PRH unit was used to store illicit cigarettes.
Investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to combat illicit cigarette activities on all fronts through a multi-pronged approach. If PRH units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette activities, Customs will notify the Housing Department for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, September 18, 2020
