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Hong Kong Customs detects suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan (with photos)
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     Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan yesterday (July 7). A total of about 390 000 suspected illicit cigarettes and 15 000 alternative smoking products were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.78 million while the duty potential was about $1.3 million. A local man was arrested. 

     Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Ma On Shan in the afternoon yesterday and searched two light goods vehicles parked in an outdoor carpark at Yiu Sha Road. Upon inspection, Customs found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes and alternative smoking products inside the vehicles, and arrested a 47-year-old local man who claimed to be a transportation worker. The vehicles connected with the case were also detained.


     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 (Cap. 109), 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 are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
 
Ends/Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:35
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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan yesterday (July 7). A total of about 390 000 suspected illicit cigarettes and 15 000 alternative smoking products were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.78 million while the duty potential was about $1.3 million. A local man was arrested. Photo shows a light goods vehicle connected with the case.
Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan yesterday (July 7). A total of about 390 000 suspected illicit cigarettes and 15 000 alternative smoking products were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.78 million while the duty potential was about $1.3 million. A local man was arrested. Photo shows a light goods vehicle connected with the case.
Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan yesterday (July 7). A total of about 390 000 suspected illicit cigarettes and 15 000 alternative smoking products were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.78 million while the duty potential was about $1.3 million. A local man was arrested. Photo shows the suspected illicit cigarettes and alternative smoking products seized.