Hong Kong Customs and the New Territories South Traffic Division of the Hong Kong Police Force mounted a joint anti-smuggling operation yesterday (October 13) at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and detected two suspected illicit cigarette smuggling cases with about 270 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.4 million and the duty potential was about $880,000. Four men, aged between 28 and 58, were arrested and two private cars involved in the cases were also seized.

     Based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs and police officers intercepted two inbound private cars at the HZMB Hong Kong Port yesterday. Upon inspection of the first private car, Customs officers seized about 130 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes from the front and rear passenger seats, the boot and hollow spaces of the vehicle. A 36-year-old male driver and a 28-year-old male passenger were arrested. Subsequently, Customs officers seized about 140 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with a similar concealment in the second private car. A 51-year-old male driver and a 58-year-old male passenger were also arrested.

     The four arrested men have each been charged with one count of importing goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) applies. The cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 15).

     Members of the public are reminded that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities.

     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, October 14, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:45

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