Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 21) mounted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Fo Tan and Tai Kok Tsui and seized about 1.19 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $3.2 million and a duty potential of about $2.3 million.
During the anti-illicit cigarette operation in Fo Tan yesterday, Customs officers seized about 1.1 million suspected illicit cigarettes in an industrial building unit and arrested a 55-year-old man.
Customs officers intercepted a 47-year-old woman in Tai Kok Tsui on the same day and found about 4 000 suspected illicit cigarettes in her possession. Later, Customs officers further seized about 82 000 suspected illicit cigarettes at the woman's residential unit in Tai Kok Tsui.
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/Friday, September 22, 2017
