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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling illicit cigarettes at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday (May 26). About 600 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized and a man was arrested.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming lorry declared to contain vegetables at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday. After thorough inspection, Customs officers found about 600 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes mixed among vegetables. The market value of the cigarettes was about $1.5 million with a duty potential of about $1.1 million. The 60-year-old male driver was arrested and the lorry used for conveying the suspected illicit cigarettes was detained. The case is still under investigation.
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, May 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:24
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