Hong Kong Customs today (May 21) seized about 430 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million and a duty potential of about $800,000 in Fo Tan.
The batch of suspected illicit cigarettes was seized at an industrial building unit in an anti-illicit cigarette operation conducted in Fo Tan this afternoon. A 37-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case was arrested.
It is believed that a suspected illicit cigarette storehouse was smashed. Investigation is ongoing.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, May 21, 2021
