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Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photos)
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     Two incoming passengers were sentenced to two months' and 10 weeks' imprisonment respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 16) 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 37-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point yesterday (January 15) and seized 4 403 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $18,000 and a duty potential of about $15,000, from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to two months' imprisonment today.

     On the same day, Customs officers intercepted a 23-year-old incoming male passenger at the same control point and seized 5 192 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $21,000 and a duty potential of about $17,000, from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to 10 weeks' imprisonment today.

     Customs welcomes the sentences, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. 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 $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/Friday, January 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:21
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Two incoming passengers were sentenced to two months' and 10 weeks' imprisonment respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 16) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. Photo shows some of the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized.
Two incoming passengers were sentenced to two months' and 10 weeks' imprisonment respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 16) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. Photo shows some of the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized.