Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 22) seized about 380 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1 million and a duty potential of about $730,000 in Tung Chung.
During an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Tung Chung yesterday, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes from a container and arrested two men aged 33 and 16. A private car suspected to be related to the case 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 Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, June 23, 2017
