Hong Kong Customs shut down two suspected illicit cigarette storage centres in Kwun Tong today (September 9). A total of about 2.37 million suspected illicit cigarettes were seized. The total estimated market value was about $10.67 million, while the duty potential was about $7.84 million. A Mainland male involved in the case was arrested.

     Customs officers today searched two suspicious units in an industrial building in Kwun Tong and found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes. A 29-year-old Mainland male was arrested at the scene. 
           
     The case is still under investigation. The arrested man was remanded 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/Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:15

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