​Hong Kong Customs on February 8 and 13 seized a batch of suspected smuggled tobacco products and liquor at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound. It included about 1.5 million suspected illicit cigarettes, about 3 600 kilograms of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco and about 20 litres of suspected duty-not-paid liquor. The total estimated market value was about $14 million, with a duty potential of about $11 million.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on the above-mentioned two days selected for inspection two seaborne 40-foot containers, declared as carrying clothing and household products respectively, arriving in Hong Kong from Guangdong. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected smuggled tobacco products and liquor mix-loaded with other goods inside the containers.
Investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis, and step up enforcement actions for interception at source to combat illicit cigarette and illicit liquor activities for protection of revenue.
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 smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, February 22, 2023
