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Hong Kong Customs mounts operation to combat illicit cigarettes
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     Hong Kong Customs mounted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Sham Shui Po District yesterday (August 1) and detected a total of four suspected illicit cigarette cases. About 8 700 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $20,400 and a duty potential of about $16,600 were seized.

     Customs officers intercepted three men and one woman separately in Sham Shui Po District during an anti-illicit cigarette operation yesterday and seized about 4 000 suspected illicit cigarettes. Later, Customs officers further seized about 4 700 suspected illicit cigarettes in the flat of one of the men in the district. 

     The four arrested persons, aged between 33 and 43, have been charged under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. They will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on August 8 and 9.

     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
 
Ends/Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:35
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