Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $260 million in second phase of "Cutflow" operation (with photo)

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     Hong Kong Customs, in collaboration with Singapore Customs, mounted the second phase of a joint operation codenamed "Cutflow" to combat illicit cigarette smuggling activities between mid-May and July this year, and dismantled a transnational illicit cigarette smuggling syndicate. During the operation, Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 58 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $260 million and a duty potential of about $192 million, and arrested five men.

     Through intelligence exchanges with Singapore Customs, as well as risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Hong Kong Customs seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes in 13 seaborne containers from Singapore and arrested five male drivers, aged between 62 and 71.

     Investigations into the related cases are ongoing. Customs will continue to trace the source and the flow of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     The outcomes of the operation fully demonstrate Customs' notable enforcement effectiveness on combating cross-boundary illicit cigarette activities at source through international co-operation. Customs will continue to maintain close liaisons and strengthen intelligence exchanges with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies to vigorously combat cross-boundary illicit cigarette activities.

     Customs stresses that 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. Moreover, 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/Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:20

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Hong Kong Customs, in collaboration with Singapore Customs, mounted the second phase of a joint operation codenamed "Cutflow" to combat illicit cigarette smuggling activities between mid-May and July this year, and dismantled a transnational illicit cigarette smuggling syndicate. During the operation, Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 58 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $260 million and a duty potential of about $192 million. Photo shows some of the suspected illicit cigarettes seized.