Hong Kong Customs detected a duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco smuggling case at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday (October 29). A total of about 8 000 kilograms of duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco, with an estimated market value of about $53.4 million and a duty potential of about $32 million was seized from an inbound medium goods vehicle (MGV). A male local driver involved in the case was arrested.
Based on intelligence analysis, Customs officers intercepted the MGV, which was declared to be carrying plastic films and carton sealing tapes, at the above-mentioned control point. Upon examination, Customs officers found about 400 boxes of unmanifested and duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco, as well as a small quantity of other undeclared goods from the vehicle. A 55-year-old male local driver was subsequently arrested.
The case is still under investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source and flow of the manufactured tobacco. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis to vigorously combat cross-border smuggling activities.
Customs stresses that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Moreover, Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), 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 may report any suspected illicit cigarette and smuggling 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).
