Mainland traveller jailed for smuggling 30,000 untaxed cigarettes into Hong Kong
A 29-year-old mainland Chinese man was sentenced to prison for importing 30,000 untaxed cigarettes worth about HK$123,000. Hong Kong Customs seized the cigarettes at the airport on 16 September. The jail term reflects the seriousness of the offence under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.
A 29-year-old mainland Chinese male traveller has been sentenced to imprisonment for importing untaxed cigarettes into Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced on 12 November.
Customs officers intercepted the man at Hong Kong International Airport on 16 September after he arrived on a flight from Tokyo, Japan. During a check of his personal luggage, officers found 30,000 untaxed cigarettes with an estimated market value of about HK$123,000. The total duty evaded was approximately HK$99,000. The traveller was arrested at the scene.
Hong Kong Customs welcomed the sentence, saying that the custodial penalty carries a strong deterrent effect and fully reflects the seriousness of the offence.
Customs reminded the public that under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods. Anyone who imports, handles, possesses, sells or purchases untaxed cigarettes commits an offence. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public can report suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline 182 8080, sending an email to the dedicated crime reporting email account ([email protected]), or submitting an online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
