Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 10) seized about 280 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $780,000 and a duty potential of about $540,000 in Yuen Long.
Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Yuen Long yesterday. A private car suspected of distributing illicit cigarettes was intercepted and a 20-foot container suspected to be used for storing illicit cigarettes was inspected. About 190 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in the vehicle and a further 90 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in the container. Two men, aged 36 and 52, suspected of distributing illicit cigarettes were arrested and the private car suspected to be used for distributing the illicit cigarettes was detained. Investigation is ongoing.
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, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, November 11, 2016