Customs officers this morning (June 3) neutralised an illicit cigarette mobile distribution centre at Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long, leading to the seizure of 1.29 million sticks of illicit cigarettes, worth about $1.93 million and with a duty potential of $1.03 million.
At 9.20am, Customs officers of the Anti-Illicit-Cigarette Investigation Division intercepted a man for enquiries when he was moving cigarettes onto a lorry parked inside a carpark of Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long.
As a result, Customs officers seized 1.29 million sticks of illicit cigarettes. They also arrested the 40-year-old man, who was holding a two-way permit.
The man will later be charged with breach of condition of stay and dealing with goods to which Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies.
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.
End/Friday, June 3, 2005