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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)
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     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 30) detected a suspected illicit cigarettes smuggling case by cross-boundary private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point. A total of about 20 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $50,000 and a duty potential of about $40,000 were seized.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted an incoming private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point and found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes concealed in a total of five false compartments at the doors and the boot of the private car.

     The 44-year-old male driver was arrested and the private car was detained. Investigation is ongoing.

     Customs will continue its stringent enforcement against illicit cigarette activities at all control points.

     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.

     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying duty-not-paid tobacco 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 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
 
Ends/Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Issued at HKT 15:40
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Photo

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 30) seized about 20 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from an incoming private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point with an estimated market value of about $50,000 and a duty potential of about $40,000. Photo shows some of the suspected illicit cigarettes concealed in one of the false compartments at the door.