Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)
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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
Issued at HKT 15:40
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