Two mainland Chinese travellers jailed for importing untaxed cigarettes
Hong Kong Customs arrested two mainland Chinese men at Hong Kong International Airport on 21 and 22 October 2026 for importing untaxed cigarettes and alternative smoking products. On 23 October, both were sentenced to imprisonment and fines.
Hong Kong Customs said two mainland Chinese travellers were sentenced to jail on 23 October for importing untaxed cigarettes and alternative smoking products. The Customs Department welcomed the court's ruling, describing the custodial sentences as a deterrent that reflected the seriousness of the offences.
On 21 October, customs officers at Hong Kong International Airport intercepted a 39-year-old mainland Chinese man and seized 181 untaxed cigarettes and 21,600 alternative smoking products from his personal luggage. The haul had an estimated market value of about HK$83,000 and a duty-evaded value of about HK$600. The man was arrested and sentenced on 23 October to four weeks' imprisonment and a fine of HK$4,000.
The following day, 22 October, customs officers stopped another mainland Chinese man, aged 31, at the same airport. They found about 73,000 untaxed cigarettes in his luggage, with an estimated market value of about HK$330,000 and a duty-evaded value of about HK$240,000. He was arrested and sentenced on 23 October to six months' imprisonment and a fine of HK$2,000.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone who imports, handles, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years' imprisonment. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, importing alternative smoking products is also an offence carrying the same maximum penalty.
Customs reminded the public to report suspected illicit cigarette activities via its 24-hour hotline 182 8080, the dedicated email account [email protected], or the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.