Hong Kong Customs seize 481 untaxed cigarettes from arriving passenger
A 68-year-old Hong Kong man was sentenced to jail after Customs officers found 481 untaxed cigarettes on him at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on 31 October. Customs welcomed the sentence, warning the public against smuggling duty-not-paid cigarettes.
Hong Kong Customs officers intercepted a 68-year-old local male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point on 31 October and seized 481 untaxed cigarettes from his person. The cigarettes have an estimated market value of about HK$2,400, with duty payable of approximately HK$1,600. The man was immediately arrested.
Customs said in a statement on 6 November that it welcomed the court's sentencing, noting that the jail term serves as a significant deterrent and reflects the seriousness of the offence. It urged the public not to break the law.
Under Hong Kong's relevant ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods. Any person who imports, handles, possesses, sells or purchases illicit cigarettes commits an offence. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Customs reminded the public to report suspected illicit cigarette activities via its 24-hour hotline 182 8080, the dedicated email account [email protected], or the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
