Hong Kong Customs mounted an anti-illicit cigarette operation codenamed "Iron Knot" in Sham Shui Po District from September 3 to 15 and seized about 80 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with a total estimated market value of about $190,000 and a duty potential of about $150,000.
During the operation, a total of 22 men and four women, aged between 27 and 86, were arrested.
Hong Kong Customs reiterates that it will continue to combat illicit cigarette 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.
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/Monday, September 17, 2018