Hong Kong Customs seized about 3 million suspected illicit cigarettes at Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on July 10. The estimated market value of the suspected illicit cigarettes is about $8.2 million with a duty potential of about $5.8 million.
Customs officers inspected four 40-foot containers declared to contain plastic granules and used auto parts arriving in Hong Kong from Malaysia at Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on July 10. After inspection, Customs officers found about 3 million suspected illicit cigarettes mix-loaded with the declared goods in the containers. 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.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, July 12, 2017
