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

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     An incoming female passenger was sentenced to two months' imprisonment and fined $1,500 at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 21) 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 47-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on July 19 and seized 7 080 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $29,000 and a duty potential of about $23,000 from her personal belongings. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

     Customs welcomes the sentence, which reflects that whether a passenger is a first-time offender or not, they 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/Monday, July 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:37

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An incoming 47-year-old female passenger was sentenced to two months' imprisonment and fined $1,500 at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (July 21) for possessing 7 080 duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. Photo shows the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized.