Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 23) seized about 900 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $2.4 million and a duty potential of about $1.7 million in Kwai Chung.
During an anti-illicit cigarette operation yesterday, Customs officers intercepted a truck in Kwai Chung. After inspection, Customs officers found about 900 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes in 108 carton boxes on board the truck. A 40-year-old man was arrested and the truck was detained. Investigation is ongoing.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction 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, February 24, 2017
