Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photos)
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Customs officers intercepted an incoming 43-year-old female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on June 6 and seized 3 181 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $13,000, and the duty potential was about $10,500. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.
In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming 50-year-old female passenger at the same control point yesterday (June 7) and seized 2 181 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $9,000 and the duty potential was about $7,200. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.
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. Members of the public should not defy the law.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes 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/Monday, June 8, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:57
Issued at HKT 19:57
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