Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of distributing illicit cigarettes
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Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation at North Point yesterday and intercepted a private car suspected of distributing illicit cigarettes. About 53 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in the vehicle. The market value of the cigarettes was about $150,000 with a duty potential of about $100,000. A 20-year-old male driver was arrested and the private car used for distributing suspected illicit cigarettes was detained. The case is still under investigation.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to undertake stringent enforcement action against illicit cigarette activities to protect government revenue.
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 by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:27
Issued at HKT 16:27
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