Hong Kong Customs today (April 14) seized about 1.7 million suspected illicit cigarettes in Fanling, with an estimated market value of about $4.7 million and a duty potential of about $3.2 million.
During an anti-illicit cigarette operation conducted in Fanling during the small hours today, Customs officers intercepted a truck and seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes. Two men including the truck driver, aged 25 and 26, were arrested. The truck, which was suspected to be used for illicit cigarette distribution, has been detained.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to combat illicit cigarette activities on all fronts, including cross-boundary smuggling, storage and distribution as well as peddling, through a multi-pronged enforcement approach.
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/Wednesday, April 14, 2021
