Hong Kong Customs uncovers suspected illicit cigarette storage point (with photo)

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     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 1) uncovered an illicit cigarette storage point in Tung Chung and seized about 2 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $5.4 million and a duty potential of about $3.8 million.

     Customs officers yesterday mounted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Shek Lau Po, Tung Chung, and discovered the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes concealed inside two abandoned 20-foot containers in a remote area. A 43-year-old man who claimed to be unemployed was arrested.

     An investigation is ongoing.

     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/Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:56

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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 1) uncovered an illicit cigarette storage point in Tung Chung and seized about 2 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $5.4 million and a duty potential of about $3.8 million. Photo shows the suspected illicit cigarettes concealed inside two abandoned containers.