Hong Kong Customs raids suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage centre in Kwai Chung (with photo)
******************************************************************************************
Customs officers searched a suspicious unit in an industrial building on Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung at noon yesterday and found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes and suspected alternative smoking products therein. A 34-year-old man, who claimed to be unemployed and is suspected to be connected with the case, was arrested at the scene.
The case is still under investigation. The arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source of the illicit cigarettes and alternative smoking products. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
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.
Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, 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.
Moreover, under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
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, March 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:20
Issued at HKT 15:20
NNNN
Photo
