Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigars (with photo)
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Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old incoming Mainland female passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, via Doha, Qatar, at Hong Kong International Airport on June 22, and seized about 8.8 kilograms of duty-not-paid cigars, with an estimated market value of about $301,000 and a duty potential of about $37,700 from her personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigars are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigars 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/Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:40
Issued at HKT 16:40
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