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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of illicit cigarettes smuggling in Man Kam To Control Point today (March 4). About 460 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized from an incoming container truck.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming container truck declared to contain assorted cargoes in Man Kam To Control Point today. After thorough inspection, Customs officers found about 460 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes in 29 carton boxes. The market value of the cigarettes was about $1.3 million with a duty potential of about $0.9 million. The suspected illicit cigarettes were mix-loaded with other goods and concealed in the foremost part of the container. The 59-year-old male driver was arrested and the container truck used for conveying the suspected illicit cigarettes was detained.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement actions against the smuggling of illicit cigarettes at boundary control points.
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.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, March 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:12
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