Hong Kong Customs seized 1.44 million suspected illicit cigarettes at the Kwai Chung Container Terminal, with an estimated market value of about HK$3.96 million and a taxable value of about HK$2.74 million.
The Customs stated that yesterday (11th) through intelligence analysis, a batch of seaborne cargo to be shipped to Australia was locked at a logistics center in the Kwai Chung Container Terminal, which was reported to contain card holders.
Customs officers found suspected illicit cigarettes contained in the goods after inspection, and the case is being investigated.
Customs seized 1.44 million suspected illicit cigarettes at a logistics center in Kwai Chung Container Terminal yesterday (11th), with an estimated market value of about HKD3.96 million and a taxable value of HKD2.74 million.
(Picture provided by Customs)
Customs pointed out that according to the "Import and Export Ordinance", anyone who imports or exports unmanifested goods, upon conviction, can be fined up to 2 million yuan and imprisoned for 7 years; according to the "Dutable Commodities Ordinance", anyone who handles , possession, sale or purchase of illicit cigarettes is an offense and upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public can report suspected illicit cigarette activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182, or through the dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Customs barge seized $66 million in illicit cigarettes in Yau Ma Tei. Two local crew members were arrested and transported to Australia. They reported that they were card holders. Bicycle seat cushions. Customs inspected 4.9 million illicit cigarettes in Kwai Chung.