Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 27) seized about 1.35 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $3.6 million and a duty potential of about $2.6 million at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck declared as carrying assorted goods at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday. After inspection, the officers found the suspected illicit cigarettes in 71 carton boxes mix-loaded with other goods onboard the truck.
The 55-year-old male driver was arrested and the truck was detained. Investigation is ongoing.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, December 28, 2018
