Man jailed for smuggling 132,400 untaxed cigarettes into Hong Kong
A 52-year-old mainland Chinese man was jailed after customs officers seized about 132,400 untaxed cigarettes from his luggage at Hong Kong International Airport. The cigarettes were worth about HK$595,000 with unpaid duty of about HK$437,000.
A 52-year-old mainland Chinese man was sentenced to prison on 10 November after being convicted of importing untaxed cigarettes into Hong Kong, the city's Customs and Excise Department said.
Customs officers intercepted the man on 9 November at Hong Kong International Airport after he arrived from Bangkok via Taiwan. A search of his personal luggage uncovered about 132,400 untaxed cigarettes, with a market value of about HK$595,000. The unpaid duty on the cigarettes totalled about HK$437,000. The man was arrested at the scene.
The Customs and Excise Department welcomed the sentence, saying the jail term served as a strong deterrent and reflected the seriousness of the offence.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are classified as dutiable goods. Anyone who imports, handles, 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 urged the public to report suspected cigarette smuggling activities via its 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, by email at [email protected], or through an online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
