Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 28) seized about 850 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $2.3 million and a duty potential of about $1.6 million at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck declared as carrying assorted goods at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday. After inspection, the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes was found concealed in 64 carton boxes under four sets of machinery.

     The 37-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 dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).