Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 1) raided a suspected illicit cigarette storehouse in Yuen Long and seized about 960 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $2.6 million and a duty potential of about $1.8 million.

     During an anti-illicit cigarette operation conducted in Yuen Long yesterday, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes from a stone hut and a light goods vehicle (LGV). Three men suspected to be in connection with the case, aged between 23 and 58, were arrested and the LGV has been detained.

     ​Investigation is ongoing.

     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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:22

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