Hong Kong Customs smashed two suspected transshipment smuggling cases of illicit cigarettes at Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal and Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on December 12 and yesterday (December 15) respectively. A total of about 19 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized.
Through overseas intelligence exchange and risk assessment, Customs officers inspected two 40-foot containers declared to contain furniture arriving in Hong Kong from the United Arab Emirates. During the inspection, Customs officers discovered a total of about 19 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes inside the two 40-foot containers, with a market value of about $52 million and duty potential of about $36 million. The unmanifested illicit cigarettes were seized for further investigation.
A Customs spokesman said, "The operation showed the effectiveness of our enforcement through a strategy of international co-operation and intelligence exchange. Hong Kong Customs will continue co-operation with other enforcement agencies as well as escalated enforcement actions against smuggling activities at source to combat illicit cigarette syndicates."
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 suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, December 16, 2015
