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The Customs and Excise Department (Customs) yesterday (December 13) smashed a family-based illicit cigarette storage and distribution centre at a housing estate in Shau Kei Wan and arrested five women, aged between 24 and 59. A total of 318,200 cigarettes valued at about $0.61 million, and with a duty potential of $0.38 million, were seized.
Acting on intelligence, Customs officers carried out an in-depth investigation into an active illicit cigarette syndicate on Hong Kong Island. Yesterday morning, the officers intercepted a woman in Aldrich Garden, Shau Kei Wan and seized 1,600 cigarettes she was carrying in a paper bag.
The officers then escorted the woman to a flat in the estate for a search and discovered that a cigarette-packing activity was taking place there. Another four women were arrested at the scene, along with the seizure of another 207,800 cigarettes. A search of another flat in the estate later led to a further seizure of 108,800 cigarettes.
It is believed that a family-based illicit cigarette storage and distribution centre has been destroyed by the Customs.
The five arrested women, claimed as relatives and unemployed, will appear at the Eastern Magistracy tomorrow (December 15) for the charge of "dealing with goods to which dutiable commodities applies".
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in the dealing with, possession, selling and buying of illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is imprisonment for two years and a fine of $1 million.
The Customs will continue to combat illicit cigarette activities to protect government revenue. The public can report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:28
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