Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 3) seized about 1.3 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $3.6 million and a duty potential of about $2.5 million in Yuen Long.

     During an anti-illicit cigarette operation conducted in Yuen Long yesterday evening, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes inside a metal hut and a container. A 36-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case was arrested and a private car has been detained.  

     It is believed that a suspected illicit cigarette storehouse was raided during the operation. 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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).