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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of using a cross-boundary private car to smuggle illicit cigarettes yesterday (January 28). About 130 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized.
Customs earlier identified a syndicate using a cross-boundary private car to smuggle illicit cigarettes and distribute them to peddlers speedily. Customs officers took enforcement action last night and intercepted the cross-boundary private car in Sheung Shui. About 130 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in the vehicle. The market value of the cigarettes was about $350,000 with a duty potential of about $240,000. A 40-year-old male driver was arrested and the cross-boundary private car used in the suspected smuggling of illicit cigarettes was detained for further investigation.
This is the fourth such case detected by Customs in the past three months. Hong Kong Customs will closely monitor illicit cigarette smuggling activities using cross-boundary private cars and continue to carry out stringent enforcement action against illicit cigarette activities.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a 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 is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs hotline at 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, January 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:08
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