Hong Kong Customs today (March 13) smashed an illicit cigarette smuggling case at Lok Ma Chau Control Point and seized about 1.1 million sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes on board a cross-boundary lorry. The total value of the cigarettes was about $2.7 million, with a duty potential of about $1.8 million. In the operation, a 48-year-old male driver was arrested and the lorry used for conveying the illicit cigarettes was seized.
At about 6.30am today, Customs officers at Lok Ma Chau Control Point intercepted an incoming cross-boundary lorry declared to have 880 boxes of moulds and plastic toys on board. After X-ray examination and thorough inspection by Customs officers, about 1.1 million sticks of illicit cigarettes were found in 90 carton boxes, mix-loaded with other goods and concealed in the rear of the lorry.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement action against the smuggling of illicit cigarettes at boundary control points to protect government revenue.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public are urged to report suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, March 13 2013
