Press Release

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Yuen Long District (with photos)

Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign today (March 11) with members of the Yuen Long District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Police, the Housing Department (HD) and the Community Care Teams in Tin Tsz Estate and Tin Yiu Estate in Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long.

During the event, in addition to patrolling housing estates, Customs officers also set up a promotional booth to distribute leaflets, explain anti-illicit cigarette messages to residents, and encourage them to report suspected illicit cigarette trading activities to Customs.

Customs reminds young people, especially students, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets, to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement to vigorously combat illicit cigarette activities through risk assessment, intelligence analysis and interception at source. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings.

Customs stresses 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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotion leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflets distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.

Ends/Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with members of the Yuen Long District Council and government departments today (March 11). Photo shows officers from Customs, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, and the Housing Department, as well as members of the Yuen Long District Council and the Community Care Teams.

Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with members of the Yuen Long District Council and government departments today (March 11). Photo shows a Customs officer and a member of the Community Care Team distributing leaflets to a resident.

Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with members of the Yuen Long District Council and government departments today (March 11). Photo shows Customs officers explaining anti-illicit cigarette messages to a resident.