Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photos)

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     Two incoming female passengers were each sentenced to two to three months' imprisonment at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 9) 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 two incoming female passengers, aged 36 and 45, at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (July 8). A total of 15 369 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $63,000 and a duty potential of about $50,000, were seized from their personal baggage. They were subsequently arrested.

     Customs welcomes the sentence. Both repeat and first-time offender may be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable 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/Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:30

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An incoming 45-year-old female passenger was sentenced to three months' imprisonment at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 9) 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.

An incoming 36-year-old female passenger was sentenced to two months' imprisonment at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 9) 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.