Hong Kong Customs seized about 420 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.18 million and a duty potential of about $810 000 in Tuen Mun yesterday (January 3).

     Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Tuen Mun yesterday afternoon and found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes inside a container at an open-air car park.

     Two men, aged 28 and 16 respectively, were arrested. A private car suspected to be in connection with the case has also been detained.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Saturday, January 4, 2020
Issued at HKT 7:22

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