​Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.9 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $11 million and a duty potential of about $7.3 million at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday (June 18).
Through risk assessment, Customs yesterday selected for inspection an incoming lorry which was declared as carrying electronic parts. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of illicit cigarettes inside 300 carton boxes on board the lorry. A 40-year-old male lorry driver was subsequently arrested and the lorry has also been detained.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities on all fronts.
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/Monday, June 19, 2023
