Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling illicit cigarettes at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on July 20. About 1.4 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized and a man was arrested.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming lorry declared to contain electrical cords and chemical materials at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on July 20. After thorough inspection, Customs officers found about 1.4 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes mix-loaded with other goods in 14 carton boxes. The market value of the cigarettes was about $3.8 million with a duty potential of about $2.6 million. The 53-year-old male driver was arrested and the lorry used for conveying the suspected illicit cigarettes was detained. The case is still under investigation.
A Customs spokesman said today (July 23), "Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement actions against the smuggling of illicit cigarettes at boundary control points."
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 any suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Saturday, July 23, 2016
