Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs 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 at Man Kam To Control Point on July 3.

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck declared as carrying vegetables at Man Kam To Control Point in the evening on July 3. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes in 44 foam boxes mix-loaded with 251 boxes of vegetables onboard the truck.

     The 49-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).