Hong Kong woman jailed for possessing untaxed cigarettes
A 36-year-old Hong Kong woman was sentenced to jail for possessing 381 untaxed cigarettes, valued at about HK$1,900, seized by customs at the Lok Ma Chau control point on 14 October. The Customs and Excise Department welcomed the sentence, warning the public against smuggling.
Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department announced on 23 October that a 36-year-old local female passenger was sentenced to imprisonment for possessing untaxed cigarettes. The sentence was handed down after customs officers intercepted the woman at the Lok Ma Chau control point on 14 October and found 381 untaxed cigarettes in her personal luggage.
The seized cigarettes were valued at about HK$1,900, with an excise duty of approximately HK$1,260. The woman was arrested at the scene.
The Customs and Excise Department welcomed the sentence, stating that imprisonment serves as a strong deterrent and reflects the seriousness of the offence. The department urged the public not to break the law.
Under the relevant ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods. Anyone who imports, 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.
The department reminded the public to report suspected smuggling activities via the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, the dedicated crime report email account at [email protected], or the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
