​Hong Kong Customs on May 10 detected a large-scale illicit cigarette smuggling case and seized about 32 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $120 million and a duty potential of about $79 million, in Tuen Mun.
Customs officers on that day intercepted a suspicious barge at the Tuen Mun Public Cargo Working Area in the morning and seized the batch of illicit cigarettes inside three 40-foot containers on board the barge after inspection. Two men, aged 22 and 27, suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
An investigation is ongoing. The two arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source and the flow of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Including the suspected illicit cigarettes seized in this operation, Customs had seized about 344 million suspected illicit cigarettes this year as at yesterday (May 15). Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.
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.
Customs reminds members of the public that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. 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/Tuesday, May 16, 2023
