Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 22) seized about 2.6 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $7 million and a duty potential of about $5 million at the River Trade Terminal Cargo Examination Compound in Tuen Mun.
Customs officers inspected a 20-foot container declared to contain tableware arriving in Hong Kong from Guangzhou at the River Trade Terminal Cargo Examination Compound yesterday. After inspection, Customs officers found about 2.6 million suspected illicit cigarettes mix-loaded with the declared goods in the container.
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/Thursday, November 23, 2017
