Customs officers of Anti-Illicit-Cigarette Investigation Division yesterday (November 1) neutralised an illicit cigarette storage centre in Kwun Tong.
They seized 1.7 million sticks of illicit cigarettes, worth about $2.6 million and with a duty potential of $1.39 million.
Two two-way permit holders male, aged 33 and 39, were arrested. They have been charged with breach of condition of stay and dealing with goods to which Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applied. They will appear in Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (November 3) for plea.
Shortly before 7pm yesterday, Customs officers intercepted two men while they were moving cigarettes into a unit of an industrial building in Kwun Tong.
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, November 2, 2005