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

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Two incoming male passengers were sentenced to five months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000, and nine months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,500, respectively at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (September 11) for dealing with and importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming male passenger, aged 48, at Hong Kong International Airport on July 15. About 20 600 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from his personal baggage. The estimated market value was about $92,700, and the duty potential was about $68,100. He was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to five months' imprisonment and fined $2,000 today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming male passengers, aged 31, at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (September 10). About 90 400 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from his personal baggage. The estimated market value was about $370,600, and the duty potential was about $298,800. He was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment and fined $1,500 today.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect 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/Thursday, September 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:53

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A 48-year-old incoming male passenger was sentenced to five months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (September 11) for dealing with and importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. Photo shows the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized.

A 31-year-old incoming male passenger was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,500 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (September 11) for dealing with and importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. Photo shows the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized.