Two incoming passengers were sentenced to two months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 and three months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 respectively by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts yesterday (August 10) for possessing duty-not-paid tobacco and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

     Customs officers intercepted two incoming local female passengers, aged 18 and 36, at Hong Kong International Airport on June 3. A total of about 23 kilograms of duty-not-paid cigars and 15 grams of manufactured tobacco, with a total estimated market value of about $841,000 and a duty potential of about $100,000 in total, were seized from their personal baggage. They 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 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/Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:30

NNNN