Hong Kong customs seize 400 boxes of smuggled tobacco at Shenzhen Bay checkpoint
Hong Kong customs intercepted a lorry at the Shenzhen Bay control point on 30 October 2026, seizing about 400 boxes of unmanifested and untaxed manufactured tobacco. A 55-year-old male driver was arrested. The investigation is ongoing, with further arrests possible.
Hong Kong customs officers at the Shenzhen Bay control point have intercepted a lorry and seized about 400 boxes of unmanifested and untaxed manufactured tobacco, the government announced on 30 October.
According to a government press release, customs officers acting on intelligence analysis stopped a medium-sized lorry that was declared to be carrying plastic film and sealing tape. During an inspection, officers found about 400 boxes of manufactured tobacco that had not been listed on the cargo manifest and were untaxed, along with a small quantity of other undeclared goods.
The driver, a 55-year-old local Hong Kong man, was arrested at the scene. The case remains under investigation, and customs said it will continue to trace the source and destination of the tobacco, adding that further arrests cannot be ruled out.
Customs said it will continue to use risk assessment and intelligence analysis to crack down on cross-border smuggling activities. It emphasised that smuggling is a serious offence.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Chapter 60), anyone who imports or exports unmanifested goods is liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years in prison. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Chapter 109), any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes is also liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years in prison.
Customs urged the public to report suspected cigarette smuggling activities via the 24-hour hotline 182 8080, the dedicated crime reporting email account [email protected], or the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.