Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling illicit cigarettes by cross-boundary private car yesterday (August 31). About 20 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized and a man was arrested.
Customs officers intercepted an inbound private car at Sha Tau Kok Control Point yesterday. A total of about 20 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in five concealed compartments near the front and rear seats of the vehicle. The market value of the cigarettes was about $52,000 with a duty potential of about $38,000. A 32-year-old male driver was arrested. The arrested male driver has been put on bail and the private car used in the suspected smuggling of illicit cigarettes was detained for further investigation.
Hong Kong Customs will closely monitor illicit cigarette smuggling activities using cross-boundary private cars and continue to carry out stringent enforcement action against illicit cigarette activities.
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/Thursday, September 1, 2016
