​Hong Kong Customs today (October 2) mounted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Sheung Shui and Tin Shui Wai and seized about 240 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $700,000 and a duty potential of about $500,000.
Customs officers first seized about 40 000 suspected illicit cigarettes inside a private car in Sheung Shui. Then they further seized about 160 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from a metal shed in the district. A 27-year-old man was arrested during the operation.
Also, Customs officers seized about 40 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from a light goods vehicle in Tin Shui Wai. A 41-year-old man was arrested.
Both the private car and the light goods vehicle have been detained. An investigation is ongoing.
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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, October 2, 2019
