Hong Kong Customs, at about 2pm today (January 17) swooped on an illicit cigarette smuggling syndicate near Old Barracks, Po Lau Road, Kwu Tung Tsuen, Sheung Shui, resulting in the seizure of 200 cartons containing about 2.4 million illicit cigarettes valued at about $4.7 million, with a duty potential of $2.9 million.
Conducting the anti-illicit cigarette operation in Kwu Tung, Sheung Shui, Customs officers successfully intercepted a goods vehicle delivering illicit cigarettes to a local illicit cigarette syndicate. The driver and three syndicate members were arrested. It is believed that the cigarettes were smuggled into Hong Kong by the goods vehicle via Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the driver conveyed the cigarettes to the remote area in Sheung Shui to the syndicate for distribution to various outlets with an attempt to reduce the risk of being detected.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession, selling and buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is imprisonment for two years and a fine of $1 million.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement against cigarette smuggling activities to protect government revenue. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarettes activities to the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, January 17, 2011
