Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 18) seized about 1 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $2.9 million and a duty potential of about $2 million in Yuen Long.
In an anti-illicit cigarette operation at Yuen Long yesterday, Customs officers seized about 1 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes in a corrugated-steel shack in Tong Yan San Tsuen. A 47-year-old man claimed to be unemployed and a 41-year-old woman claimed to be a housewife were arrested.
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 are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Saturday, November 19, 2016
