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Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Ma On Shan (with photos)
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     Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Police, the Housing Department (HD) and the Community Care Team at Chung On Estate and Lee On Estate in Ma On Shan today (May 7).

     Customs officers promoted anti-illicit cigarette messages to residents at the Estates, including the Government's proposal to make amendments to the existing legislation to increase penalties for illicit cigarette-related offences, as well as to encourage them to report suspected illicit cigarette trading activities to Customs.

     If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public, especially young people, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that affects their future.

     Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.

     In accordance with 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).

     In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotion leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflets distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.
 
Ends/Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:05
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Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Housing Department and the Community Care Team today (May 7) at Chung On Estate and Lee On Estate in Ma On Shan.
Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Housing Department and the Community Care Team today (May 7) at Chung On Estate and Lee On Estate in Ma On Shan. Photo shows a Customs officer promoting anti-illicit cigarette messages to a resident.