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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of using fake air compressors to conceal illicit cigarettes on March 3 at Man Kam To Control Point. About 800 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized on an incoming lorry. The total market value of the cigarettes was about $2.2 million with a duty potential of about $1.5 million. In the operation, a 39-year-old male driver was arrested and the lorry used in the suspected smuggling of illicit cigarettes was seized.
On March 3, Customs officers at Man Kam To Control Point intercepted an incoming lorry declared to be carrying 148 boxes of assorted cargo including air compressors, motors and ironware. After thorough inspection, Customs officers found about 800 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes inside 49 fake air compressors. It is believed that speedy distribution of the illicit cigarettes to various buyers in the territory would have been arranged.
A customs spokesman said today (March 5), "Hong Kong Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement action against the smuggling of illicit cigarettes at boundary control points."
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public are urged to report suspected illicit cigarette activities by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, March 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:30
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