Hong Kong Customs raids suspected illicit cigarette storage (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 3) seized about 770 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $2 million and a duty potential of about $1.46 million in Kwai Chung.

     Customs officers yesterday evening intercepted a 68-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman in Lei Muk Shue Estate and seized about 30 000 suspected illicit cigarettes in the suitcases they were carrying.

     Customs officers immediately carried out a follow-up investigation and seized about 660 000 suspected illicit cigarettes inside an industrial unit in Kwai Chung. The officers then further seized about 80 000 suspected illicit cigarettes at the residence of one of the arrested persons.  

     It is believed that a suspected illicit cigarette storehouse has been raided and illicit cigarette distribution operated by a syndicate has been smashed.

     Customs will continue to combat illicit cigarette activities on all fronts through a multi-pronged approach.

     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).