Hong Kong customs seizes HK$10m in smuggled cigarettes at sea
Hong Kong customs officers intercepted a speedboat without navigation lights off southeastern waters early on 27 October, arresting two mainland Chinese men and seizing about HK$10 million worth of smuggled cigarettes.
Hong Kong customs officers have busted a maritime smuggling case, seizing about HK$10 million worth of illegal cigarettes in a predawn operation on Tuesday 27 October.
Acting on an anti-smuggling patrol in the city's southeastern waters, officers spotted a speedboat without navigation lights heading southeast of Kau Yi Chau islands. When customs moved to intercept, the vessel accelerated in an attempt to escape.
Officers eventually boarded and stopped the boat for inspection. They found the vessel was equipped with three high-power outboard engines, and uncovered the suspected contraband cigarettes on board.
Two mainland Chinese men, aged 32 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of violating the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, which governs the import, handling, possession, sale or purchase of untaxed oil or cigarettes.
Under the ordinance, convicted offenders face a maximum fine of HK$1 million and up to two years in jail, or a fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years' imprisonment.
Customs urged the public to report any illegal fuel or 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.
