Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs today (June 16) seized about 500 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.3 million and a duty potential of about $1 million in Yuen Long.

     During an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Yuen Long this morning, Customs officers intercepted a man and found about 50 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from a light goods vehicle beside him. Later, Customs officers further seized about 450 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from a metal hut nearby.

     The 53-year-old man was arrested. Investigation is ongoing.

      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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).