Hong Kong jails mainland woman for smuggling 71,000 untaxed cigarettes
A 27-year-old mainland Chinese woman was sentenced to prison after being caught at Hong Kong International Airport with 71,000 untaxed cigarettes worth about HK$320,000. Customs officials seized the cigarettes from her luggage after she arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.
Hong Kong Customs welcomed a prison sentence handed down to a 27-year-old mainland Chinese female traveller for importing untaxed cigarettes, saying the jail term serves as a strong deterrent and reflects the seriousness of the offence.
Customs officers intercepted the woman at Hong Kong International Airport on 29 October after she arrived on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand. During a search of her personal luggage, officers seized about 71,000 untaxed cigarettes with an estimated market value of about HK$320,000. The total duty evaded was approximately HK$240,000. The traveller was arrested immediately.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods. Anyone who imports, processes, possesses, sells or purchases untaxed cigarettes commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years in prison.
Customs reminded the public to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities via the department's 24-hour hotline 182 8080, the dedicated crime reporting email account ([email protected]), or the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
