Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid tobacco (with photos)
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Customs officers intercepted a 64-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on March 8 and seized 6 801 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco, with an estimated market value of about $29,880 and a duty potential of about $23,280, from her personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment and fined $4,000 by the Courts today.
In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming 55-year-old female passenger at the same control point on March 31 and seized 599 duty-not-paid cigarettes on her and from her personal baggage. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $2,500, and the duty potential was about $2,000. The passenger was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment and fined $3,000 by the Courts today.
Customs welcomes the sentences. 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 imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys duty-not-paid tobacco 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, April 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:40
Issued at HKT 18:40
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