Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes (with photo)

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     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 14) seized about 430 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million and a duty potential of about $800,000 at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck declared as carrying assorted goods at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday. After inspection, Customs officers found two machines mix-loaded with other goods on board the truck. The batch of suspected illicit cigarettes was found in 32 carton boxes concealed inside the machines.

     The 61-year-old male driver was arrested and the truck was detained. Investigation is ongoing.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum 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 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Friday, March 15, 2019
Issued at HKT 12:16

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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 14) seized about 430 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million and a duty potential of about $800,000 on board an incoming truck at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.