Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of using a cross-boundary private car to smuggle illicit cigarettes yesterday (March 1). About 140 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized.
Customs has identified a syndicate using cross-boundary private cars to smuggle illicit cigarettes and distribute them to peddlers speedily. Customs officers took enforcement action last night and intercepted the cross-boundary private car in Yuen Long. About 140 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in the vehicle. The market value of the cigarettes was about $370,000 with a duty potential of about $260,000. A 38-year-old male driver was arrested and the cross-boundary private car used in the suspected smuggling of illicit cigarettes was detained for further investigation.
Hong Kong Customs will closely monitor illicit cigarette smuggling activities using cross-boundary private cars and continue to carry out stringent enforcement action against illicit cigarette activities.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs' hotline at 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, March 2, 2016
