Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)

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     An incoming male passenger was sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $1,500 at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (June 6) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

     Customs officers intercepted the incoming 59-year-old male passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point yesterday (June 5) and seized 2 185 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $8,900 and a duty potential of about $7,200 from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

     Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys 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/Friday, June 6, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:20

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An incoming 59-year-old male passenger was sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $1,500 at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (June 6) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. Photo shows the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized.