Hong Kong Customs and Sham Shui Po police smash 22 illegal cigarette caches
Hong Kong Customs and Sham Shui Po police conducted joint raids, smashing 22 illegal cigarette storage sites and one mobile stall. Five suspects were arrested, including two local men, two local women and a Vietnamese man. Offenders face up to HK$2 million fines and seven years in jail.
Hong Kong Customs and the Sham Shui Po police district have carried out a series of targeted raids to combat the illegal cigarette trade in the area, smashing 22 temporary storage sites and one mobile stall. Five people were arrested in the operation, comprising two local men, two local women and one Vietnamese man.
The joint operation, which involved multiple surprise inspections and crackdowns, was aimed at disrupting the distribution network for contraband cigarettes in the Sham Shui Po district. Customs said it would continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach to tackle the illegal cigarette trade.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Chapter 109), anyone found handling, possessing, selling or buying illegal cigarettes commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for up to seven years.
Customs reminded the public to report any suspected illegal cigarette activities via the department's 24-hour hotline 182 8080, the dedicated crime-report email account [email protected], or the online reporting form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.