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Hong Kong Customs today (October 19) smashed a suspected illicit cigarette storehouse in Kwun Tong and seized about 100 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes. The total value of the seizure was about $270,000 with a duty potential of about $190,000.
After in-depth investigation, Customs officers suspected a premises in an industrial building at Kwun Tong to be an illicit cigarette storehouse and took enforcement action at noon today. About 100 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized from the premises and a 26-year-old man was arrested.
Customs will continue to undertake stringent enforcement against illicit cigarette activities to protect government revenue.
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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, October 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:48
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