Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 22) seized about 360 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $900,000 and a duty potential of about $690,000 at Lai Chi Kok.
During an anti-illicit cigarette operation at Lai Chi Kok yesterday, Customs officers intercepted a truck suspected of distributing illicit cigarettes and seized about 360 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from the truck. A 28-year-old man was arrested and the truck was detained. Investigation is ongoing.
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/Thursday, March 23, 2017
