Three incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)
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Customs officers intercepted two Chinese male and one Chinese female incoming passengers, aged between 35 and 43 years old at the Passenger Clearance Building of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port yesterday (June 28) and seized 9 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $34,200 and a duty potential of about $29,800; 7 401 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $28,100 and a duty potential of about $24,500; and 8 615 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $32,700 and a duty potential of about $28,500, from their personal baggage respectively. The three passengers were subsequently arrested.
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 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 29, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:50
Issued at HKT 18:50
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