Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling illicit cigarettes in Kwai Chung on September 10. About 650 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized.
Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Kwai Chung on September 10 and found about 650 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes in a cargo consignment at a logistics site. The market value of the cigarettes seized was about $1.7 million with a duty potential of about $1.2 million. In the operation, a 59-year-old male transportation worker was arrested. He was put on bail pending further investigation.
Customs will continue to undertake stringent enforcement against illicit cigarette activities to protect government revenue.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possessing, selling and buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
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 to the Customs' 24-hour hotline at 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, September 12 2016
