Hong Kong Customs mounted a special operation in the past two weeks targeting cross-boundary smuggling of illicit cigarettes and distribution of cigarettes in the territory.
In the operation, two cross-boundary vehicles suspected to be used for conveying illicit cigarettes were seized. Five suspected illicit cigarette storage points were smashed and two private cars believed to be used for distributing illicit cigarettes were detained. About 2.1 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized. The total market value was estimated at $5.6 million with a duty potential of about $4.1 million. Twelve men and a woman aged between 25 and 80 were arrested. The investigation is ongoing.
Up to November this year, Customs detected 18 significant smuggling cases with seizure of 31 million sticks of illicit cigarettes. Each of these significant smuggling cases involved more than 500 000 sticks of illicit cigarettes. In the same period, a total of 11 million sticks of illicit cigarettes related to downtown distribution activities were seized.
A Customs spokesman said at a press conference today (December 13), "The operation showed the effectiveness of our enforcement strategy, especially the escalated enforcement actions against smuggling activities at source. Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement action against all illicit cigarette activities."
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
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/Saturday, December 13, 2014
