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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 28) smashed a suspected illicit cigarette storehouse in Yuen Long and seized about 89 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes. The total value of the seizure was about $220,000, with a duty potential of about $170,000.
After in-depth investigation, Customs officers suspected that a cargo container in a container yard at Yuen Long was being used as an illicit cigarette storehouse. With enforcement action taken last night, about 89 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized from the cargo container. A 23-year-old man was arrested.
Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement against illicit cigarette activities to protect government revenue.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possessing, selling or 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/Thursday, October 29, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:26
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