Hong Kong Customs detected four sea smuggling cases via intelligence exchanges and analysis. More than 51 million suspected illicit cigarettes with a total estimated market value of about $230 million and a duty potential of about $170 million were seized.
Through intelligence exchanges with law enforcement agencies in the region and further intelligence analysis, Customs from August to September selected and examined five 40-foot seaborne containers arriving in Hong Kong from the South Asian region and declared as carrying clothes, lighting equipment, electronic parts and hydraulic components, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Large quantities of illicit cigarettes were seized. Preliminary investigation revealed that the batch of illicit cigarettes was destined for other countries or regions but was all intercepted by Hong Kong Customs while in transit.
The investigation is still ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
The cases displayed Customs’ enforcement effectiveness in intercepting cross-border illicit cigarettes at the source through co-operation with law enforcement agencies in the region. The department will continue to foster collaboration and strengthen intelligence exchanges between regional partners in law enforcement, and vigorously combat cross-border illicit cigarette activities.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis, and step up enforcement actions to combat smuggling of illicit cigarettes. 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 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).
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