Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation against sea smuggling on July 7 and detected a suspected smuggling case of illicit cigarettes via fishing vessel.
In the operation, 100,000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes, with a market value and a duty potential of about $270,000 and $200,000 respectively, were seized from a fishing vessel and a small craft it towed. A 65-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman on board were arrested and the vessels were detained.
Officers of the Customs Marine Enforcement Group in the evening on July 7 intercepted a suspicious fishing vessel towing a small craft in the waters off Cheung Chau. After a thorough search, the suspected illicit cigarettes were found in the compartments of the small craft and the fishing vessel.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling and buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to step up enforcement actions to combat smuggling activities by fishing vessels.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline at 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, July 9, 2015
