Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 21) seized about 1.6 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $4.4 million and a duty potential of about $3.1 million at Man Kam To Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck declared as carrying vegetables at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes in 179 foam boxes mix-loaded with 321 boxes of vegetables onboard the truck.

     The 61-year-old male driver was arrested and the truck was detained. 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 the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).