Hong Kong Customs today (January 8) seized about 3.2 million suspected illicit cigarettes in Yuen Long. Together with the case effected on January 6 at Shenzhen Bay Control Point, Customs seized a total of about 4 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $11 million and a duty potential of about $7.6 million.

     During an anti-illicit cigarette operation in San Tin, Yuen Long today, Customs officers seized a total of about 3.2 million suspected illicit cigarettes from a truck and a metal shed. Two men, aged 42 and 50, were arrested.

     Also, Customs seized about 800 000 suspected illicit cigarettes on board an incoming truck at Shenzhen Bay Control Point on January 6. A 48-year-old male driver was arrested.

     Investigations of the cases are ongoing.

     Customs will continue to step up enforcement against different kinds of illicit cigarette activities before the coming Lunar New Year holiday.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum 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 upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:15

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