Hong Kong Customs today (June 9) mounted a special operation at Lok Ma Chau Control Point to combat cigarette smuggling. During the operation, about 2.5 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized from an incoming container truck. The market value of the cigarettes was estimated at about $6.8 million with a duty potential of about $4.8 million. A 54-year-old male driver was arrested and the vehicle used for conveying the suspected illicit cigarettes was detained.
Customs officers this morning intercepted an incoming container truck, declared to have 192 boxes of plastic parts and appliances, at Lok Ma Chau Control Point. After X-ray examination and thorough inspection by Customs officers, about 2.5 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in another 194 boxes. The cigarettes were mix-loaded with other goods and concealed in the rear part of the container compartment.
A Customs spokesman said today, "The operation showed the effectiveness of the 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.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs' hotline at 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, June 9, 2015
