Customs officers neutralised two mobile distribution centres of illicit cigarettes at Wong Keng Tei in Sai Kung and Long Ping Estate in Yuen Long on the mornings of May 24 and 25 respectively.
In an operation against black spots of illicit cigarette activities, Customs officers seized a total of 1.022 million sticks of dutiable cigarettes, worth about $1.533 million and with a duty potential of $0.821 million.
About 10.30am yesterday (May 24), Customs officers from the Anti-Illicit-Cigarette Investigation Division intercepted two men when they were loading illicit cigarettes onto a lorry parked near the shore off Wong Keng Tei, Sai Kung. As a result, 0.562 million sticks of illicit cigarettes were seized. The two men, a driver aged 32 and a worker aged 28, were arrested. They have been later bailed out pending further investigations.
At 11.30am today, Customs officers intercepted another two men when they were transferring illicit cigarettes from a van to another, which were parked at the cargo loading area of the carpark in Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long. As a result, 0.46 million sticks of illicit cigarettes were seized; and two male drivers, aged 40 and 45, were arrested. Customs investigation is underway.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, the maximum penalty for selling, buying or dealing with dutiable cigarettes is a fine of $1 million and two years' imprisonment.
Hong Kong Customs urged members of the public to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling the Customs hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, May 25, 2005