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Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected cases of distributing illicit cigarettes at the seashore in Lau Fau Shan yesterday (January 21). A total of about 200 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized.
Customs mounted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Lau Fau Shan yesterday morning. In the operation, Customs officers found two men moving goods to a private car near the seashore. Customs officers intercepted them and searched the vehicle. About 100 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes contained in 11 foam boxes were found on the vehicle. Afterwards, another 100 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes contained in 10 foam boxes were found in another private car in the vicinity. The total market value of the suspected illicit cigarettes was about $550,000, with a total duty potential of about $400,000. The two 23-year-old men were arrested and the two private cars used for distributing suspected illicit cigarettes were detained for investigation.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possessing, selling and buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is imprisonment for two years and a fine of $1 million.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs hotline at 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, January 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:52
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