Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 26) seized about 680 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.8 million and a duty potential of about $1.3 million at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck declared as carrying bricks at Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes enclosed by bricks on six pallets.
During the operation, a 67-year-old male driver was arrested and the truck suspected to be in connection with the case was also detained.
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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, November 27, 2019
