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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling illicit cigarettes using corkwood boards at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday (January 26). About 700 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming lorry declared to be carrying wooden plates, carton boxes and bubble wrap yesterday at Man Kam To Control Point. After thorough inspection, Customs officers found about 700 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes inside four pallets of corkwood boards. The market value of the cigarettes was about $2 million with a duty potential of about $1.4 million. In the operation, a 47-year-old male driver was arrested and the lorry used for carrying the suspected illicit cigarettes was detained.
A Customs spokesperson said today, "Hong Kong Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement actions against the smuggling of illicit cigarettes at boundary control points."
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.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs hotline at 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:33
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