Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)

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     An incoming female passenger was sentenced to 40 days' imprisonment and fined $4,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (November 13) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

     Customs officers intercepted a 51-year-old incoming female passenger on October 12 at the Lo Wu Control Point and seized 4 381 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $17,900 and a duty potential of about $14,400 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested.

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

     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, November 13, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:30

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An incoming 51-year-old female passenger was sentenced to 40 days' imprisonment and fined $4,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (November 13) for possessing 4 381 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.