Hong Kong Customs today (December 2) detected a cross-boundary cigarette smuggling case in Lok Ma Chau Control Point and seized $1 million worth of illicit cigarettes, with a dutiable value of $0.63 million. A 39-year-old local male driver was arrested.
Early this morning, Customs officers intercepted for inspection a lorry which declared in its manifests with paper bags and buttons. However, the image of X-ray examination showed that it was carrying different goods. After a thorough examination of the lorry, Customs officers found the cigarettes in three large wooden boxes. The man was arrested and will be charged under the Import and Export Ordinance.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, importing unmanifested cargo is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
The department will continue to take stringent enforcement against cigarette smuggling activities. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarettes activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6128.
Ends/Wednesday, December 2, 2009
