Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 4) seized about 620 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.7 million and a duty potential of about $1.2 million at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming lorry declared as carrying assorted goods at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes concealed inside 516 speakers, which were placed inside 86 cartons mix-loaded with other goods on board the lorry.
A 41-year-old male driver was arrested and the lorry was detained.
An investigation is ongoing.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven 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).
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