Hong Kong Customs jails public housing tenant over untaxed cigarettes
A 56-year-old public housing tenant in Hong Kong was sentenced to prison for handling 16,900 untaxed cigarettes worth about HK$76,000. Customs seized the cigarettes during an anti-smuggling operation on 10 September in Chai Wan. The court's ruling reflects the seriousness of the offence.
Hong Kong Customs has secured a prison sentence against a 56-year-old local man who was a tenant of a public housing unit in Chai Wan, after he was found guilty of handling untaxed cigarettes. The man was intercepted by Customs officers during an anti-smuggling operation at Fung Wah Estate on 10 September.
Officers searched the man and the public housing unit he rented, seizing a total of 16,900 untaxed cigarettes. The seized cigarettes have an estimated market value of about HK$76,000 and a duty-evaded value of about HK$56,000. The tenant was arrested at the scene.
Customs welcomed the court's verdict, stating that the jail term serves as a strong deterrent and fully reflects the seriousness of the offence. The department reiterated that after court proceedings conclude, it will notify the Housing Authority of any public housing unit involved in cigarette smuggling activities, so that follow-up action can be taken under the tenancy agreement or the estate management demerit point system, which may include deducting points or terminating the tenancy.
Customs said it will continue to take a multi-pronged approach to combat cigarette smuggling. It reminded the public that under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone who handles, possesses, sells or buys smuggled cigarettes commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years in jail.
Members of the public can report suspected cigarette smuggling activities by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or by email at [email protected], or by using the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
