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Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Southern District (with photos)
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     Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Southern District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health and the Housing Department (HD) at Ap Lei Chau Estate in Southern District today (October 23).

     Customs officers distributed promotional items to residents and introduced to them Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes from a $1 million fine and two-year imprisonment to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.
      
     If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public, especially young people, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
      
     Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities. Also, Customs will strengthen publicity and education to remind the public not to take part in unlawful acts related to illicit cigarettes.

     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 $2 million and imprisonment for seven 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/).

     In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflets distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.
 
Ends/Thursday, October 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:45
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Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Southern District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health and the Housing Department at Ap Lei Chau Estate in Southern District today (October 23).
Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Southern District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health and the Housing Department at Ap Lei Chau Estate in Southern District today (October 23). Photo shows Customs officers introducing residents to Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation.