Hong Kong Customs detained two containers from Lian Hua Shan at Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound yesterday (April 16). About 1.8 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized. The total market value of the cigarettes was about $4.9 million, with a duty potential of about $3.5 million. Investigation is in progress, and no person has been arrested so far.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected two 40-foot containers declared to contain "electronic parts" and "LED lights" from an arriving river trade vessel that had departed from Lian Hua Shan. During the inspection, Customs officers found a total of about 1.8 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes mix-loaded with general goods. The market value was about $4.9 million and the duty potential about $3.5 million. The unmanifested illicit cigarettes were seized by Customs for further investigation.
A Customs spokesman said today (April 17), "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/Friday, April 17, 2015
