Hong Kong Customs detects two illicit cigarette exporting cases and shuts down illicit cigarette packaging and storage centre with seizure worth about $16 million (with photo)
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Customs earlier detected two cases of exporting smuggled cigarettes at a logistics centre in Kwai Chung. A total of about 1.9 million suspected illicit cigarettes were seized in two batches of goods destined for Australia.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs took action last night and raided a metal warehouse in Tai Tong, Yuen Long, seizing about 1.7 million suspected illicit cigarettes and a batch of packaging tools. A 46-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman, who claimed to be a worker in a vehicle repair workshop and a retiree respectively, were arrested.
Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate used a remote metal warehouse to collect and store illicit cigarettes. After repackaging, the illicit cigarettes were transported to the logistics centre concerned in Kwai Chung and were disguised as legitimate goods for exporting to Australia for profit.
Investigations of the cases are ongoing, and the two arrested persons were released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis, and step up enforcement actions to combat cross-boundary illicit cigarette activities. 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 upon conviction.
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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:45
Issued at HKT 14:45
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