Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)
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     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 15) seized about 1.2 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $3.2 million and a duty potential of about $2.3 million at Man Kam To Control Point.
  
     Customs officers intercepted an incoming container truck declared as carrying assorted goods at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday. Upon inspection, Customs officers found about 1.2 million suspected illicit cigarettes inside 149 carton boxes in the container.
 
     A male driver, aged 57, was arrested and the container truck has been detained. Investigation is ongoing.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:45

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