Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 12) smashed the supply chain of an illicit cigarette syndicate and detected three suspected cases of smuggled cigarettes. About 62 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes concealed in compartments of cross-boundary private cars were seized. The total market value of the cigarettes was about $160,000 with a duty potential of about $120,000. In the operation, three men aged from 23 to 37 were arrested and three cross-boundary 7-seat private cars used for conveying the illicit cigarettes were also seized for further investigation.
Following risk profiling and a series of in-depth investigations since last week, Customs officers found that a suspected syndicate used the "ants moving home" tactic to smuggle small amount of cigarettes during each trip to Hong Kong. The illicit cigarettes were concealed in compartments of cross-boundary 7-seat private cars for smuggling into the territory. Customs yesterday took enforcement action and monitored an incoming cross-boundary 7-seat private car at Lok Ma Chau Control Point. Customs later arrested in Yuen Long a private car driver handling illicit cigarettes. About 20 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in three concealed compartments at the front, in the middle and at the rear of the private car.
Meanwhile, Customs intercepted another cross-boundary 7-seat private car at Lok Ma Chau Control Point. Officers found about 18 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes in three concealed compartments at the front, in the middle and at the rear of the private car and arrested the driver. Subsequently, another 5 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized in a metal hut in Yuen Long.
In addition, Customs intercepted a third targeted cross-boundary 7-seat private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point. About 19 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in six concealed compartments at the front, in the middle and at the rear of the private car. The driver was arrested at scene. It is believed that the syndicate has been smashed.
A Customs spokesman said today (November 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 the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, November 13, 2014
