Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 12) mounted a territory-wide operation codenamed "Hammer" to strike illicit cigarette storage and distribution activities. About 290 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $750,000 and a duty potential of about $550,000 were seized.
Customs officers yesterday seized about 220 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from a man and from a residential unit in Kowloon. Officers also seized a further 70 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from a private car in the New Territories.
During the operation, Customs officers arrested two men and three women, aged between 33 and 50.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against illicit cigarette activities.
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/Wednesday, September 13, 2017