Hong Kong Customs raids suspected illicit cigarette storage (with photos)

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     Hong Kong Customs today (January 4) raided a suspected illicit cigarette storage in Yuen Long and seized about 1.75 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $4.8 million and a duty potential of about $3.3 million.

     During an anti-illicit cigarette operation conducted in Pat Heung, Yuen Long, in the early hours today, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes from a metal hut and a light goods vehicle. A 28-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case were arrested. The light goods vehicle involved has also been detained.

     An 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/Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:32

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Hong Kong Customs today (January 4) raided a suspected illicit cigarette storage in Yuen Long and seized about 1.75 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $4.8 million and a duty potential of about $3.3 million. Photo shows the suspected illicit cigarettes seized.