Hong Kong Customs today (September 11) smashed an illicit cigarette store in an industrial building in Fo Tan and seized about 230 000 sticks of illicit cigarettes. The total market value of the seizure was about $580,000 with a duty potential of about $390,000. In the operation, a 53-year-old man who claimed to be unemployed was arrested.
After conducting a series of in-depth investigations, Customs found that a batch of illicit cigarettes was kept by a syndicate in a cubicle inside an industrial unit used as a mini store. Customs officers took action today and swooped on the unit in Fo Tan and seized the illicit cigarettes. A man, who was found sorting the illicit cigarettes at the scene, was arrested.
Customs will continue to undertake stringent enforcement against illicit cigarette activities in all fronts for protection of 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 suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, September 11 2013
