Hong Kong Customs raids seven illicit cigarette retail points, arrests 10
Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory-wide operation against illicit cigarette retailers, arresting 10 people at seven retail points. The enforcement follows reports of cigarettes sold below legal duty, with offenders facing up to HK$2 million fines and seven years in jail.
Hong Kong Customs announced on 5 November that it had conducted a territory-wide enforcement operation against retail points selling illicit cigarettes, arresting 10 people at seven locations. The action followed media reports that some retailers were selling contraband cigarettes and “white-brand” cigarettes at prices below the legal duty.
Customs officers posed as customers at various cigarette retail points, including newspaper stalls, grocery stores and hawker stalls, and found some outlets selling cigarettes below the legally mandated tax rate. As of 5 November, enforcement actions had been taken against seven retail points in Yau Ma Tei, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan, Shau Kei Wan, Tuen Mun and Kwun Tong. The 10 arrested individuals — five men and five women — were aged between 43 and 90 and included shop owners and employees.
Customs said the operation was ongoing across other districts, vowing to take decisive action against any vendors or newspaper stalls involved in offences related to untaxed cigarettes. It added that after conviction, cases would be referred to relevant departments for follow-up on tenancy or licensing matters.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), any cigarette offered for sale or supply at a price lower than the duty rate for that cigarette is considered a dutiable commodity. Handling, possessing, selling or purchasing untaxed cigarettes is illegal, with a maximum penalty of a HK$2 million fine and seven years in prison upon conviction.
Customs urged cigarette retailers not to sell cigarettes of unknown origin and to be alert to supply prices below the legal duty. The public can report suspected illicit cigarette activities via the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, by email at [email protected], or through an online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
