Hong Kong Customs shut down a suspected illicit cigarette storage centre in Kwai Chung today (September 8). A total of about 2.41 million suspected illicit cigarettes were seized. The total estimated market value was about $10.85 million, while the duty potential was about $7.98 million. Three men involved in the case were arrested.

     Customs officers searched a suspicious unit in an industrial building in Kwai Chung and found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes today. Three men aged between 32 and 36 and suspected to be connected with the case were arrested at the scene. They claimed to be a transportation worker, a driver and a courier respectively.
           
     The case is still under investigation. The arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
           
     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, 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 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:30

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