Hong Kong Customs mounted an anti-crime operation codenamed "Net One" in Sham Shui Po District from August 1 to yesterday (August 12) and seized suspected illicit cigarettes, suspected infringing goods and a small amount of suspected dangerous drugs with a total estimated market value of about $680,000.
During the operation, about 90 000 illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $240,000 as well as about 3 000 items of suspected infringing goods including clothing, bags and phone accessories with an estimated market value of about $440,000 were seized. The small amount of suspected dangerous drugs seized includes cocaine and methamphetamine.
A total of 15 men and 10 women, aged between 29 and 79, were arrested during the operation.
Hong Kong Customs reiterates that it will continue to combat illegal activities on various fronts, including through close contact and timely joint operations with the Police and other law enforcement agencies.
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.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale an infringing item commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, any person who possesses a dangerous drug commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illegal activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, August 13, 2018
