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Hong Kong Customs today (September 14) mounted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Tseung Kwan O. During the operation, Customs officers detected a suspected illicit cigarette storehouse and seized about 75 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes. The total value of the seizure was about $200,000 with a duty potential of about $144,000.
Acting on information, Customs officers kept under watch a domestic premises at Tseung Kwan O which was suspected to be an illicit cigarette storehouse and took enforcement action this morning with the seizure of about 75 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes from the premises. A 31-year-old woman was arrested.
Customs will continue to undertake stringent enforcement against illicit cigarette activities to protect government revenue.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possessing, selling and buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is imprisonment for two years and a fine of $1 million.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, September 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:13
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