Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 9) seized about 300 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $790,000 and a duty potential of about $550,000 at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck declared to carry assorted goods at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes in 18 carton boxes mix-loaded with other goods on the truck.

     The 45-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).