An incoming male passenger was sentenced to three months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (September 26) for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

     Customs officers intercepted a 26-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on July 4. A total of 11 400 alternative smoking products were seized from his personal baggage with an estimated market value of $34,200. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

     Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

     Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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, September 26, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:05

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