Mainland Chinese man jailed for importing untaxed cigarettes into Hong Kong
A 23-year-old mainland Chinese man was sentenced to prison for importing about 126,200 untaxed cigarettes into Hong Kong. The cigarettes, seized at Hong Kong International Airport on 19 August, had a market value of about HK$631,000 and a duty value of about HK$417,000. Customs welcomed the sentence
A 23-year-old mainland Chinese man has been sentenced to prison for importing untaxed cigarettes into Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced on 26 October.
Customs officers intercepted the man at Hong Kong International Airport on 19 August after he arrived from Vientiane, Laos, via Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. During a search of his personal luggage, officers found about 126,200 untaxed cigarettes with an estimated market value of about HK$631,000. The total duty evaded was about HK$417,000. The arriving passenger was arrested immediately.
Hong Kong Customs welcomed the prison sentence, saying it serves as a significant deterrent and fully reflects the seriousness of the offence. The department reminded the public that tobacco is a dutiable commodity under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.
Under the ordinance, importing, processing, possessing, selling or purchasing untaxed tobacco products is illegal. Upon conviction, offenders face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years' imprisonment.
Customs encouraged the public to report suspected illicit cigarette activities via the department's 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, the dedicated crime reporting email account at [email protected], or the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
