Hong Kong Customs mounted a territory-wide operation to combat illicit cigarettes yesterday (July 18) and today (July 19). A total of about 300 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $750,000 and a duty potential of about $570,000 were seized.

     Customs officers yesterday seized a total of about 120 000 suspected illicit cigarettes in two residential units in Shek Kip Mei and Sham Shui Po. A 50-year-old woman was arrested. Today, Customs officers seized a total of 180 000 suspected illicit cigarettes in a residential unit in To Kwa Wan and two private cars in Sha Tin. A 52-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man were arrested.

     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, July 19, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:45

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