Hong Kong Customs intercepts vehicle suspected of distributing illicit cigarettes (with photo)

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     �Hong Kong Customs in To Kwa Wan yesterday (September 3) intercepted a vehicle that was suspected to be used for illicit cigarette distribution. About 380 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.04 million and a duty potential of about $720,000 were seized.

     Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in To Kwa Wan yesterday evening and intercepted a light goods vehicle (LGV). The batch of suspected illicit cigarettes was seized on board the vehicle. Upon initial investigation, it was suspected that the LGV was used for distributing illicit cigarettes. The 44-year-old male driver was then arrested and the LGV was also detained.

     The arrested man has been charged with contravening the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and will appear at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on September 29.

     Under the DCO, 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/Friday, September 4, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:30

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Hong Kong Customs in To Kwa Wan yesterday (September 3) intercepted a vehicle that was suspected to be used for illicit cigarette distribution. About 380 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.04 million and a duty potential of about $720,000 were seized. Photo shows the suspected illicit cigarettes seized.