Mainland woman jailed over cigarettes hidden in clothing
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 57-year-old woman from mainland China was arrested after Hong Kong Customs officers found 781 duty-not-paid cigarettes on her when she arrived at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on August 10. The cigarettes had an estimated market value of about HK$3,900 and a duty value of around HK$2,600. Customs said the cigarettes were concealed in a bra top and tight-fitting leggings, with a released photograph showing more than 30 packs allegedly hidden in the clothing. She was convicted at Fanling Magistrates' Courts on August 11 and sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment and a HK$1,000 fine for possessing undeclared dutiable cigarettes.
Key Points
- Customs officers intercepted the 57-year-old mainland inbound traveler during an inspection at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on August 10.
- A body search uncovered 781 undeclared cigarettes, with an estimated market value of HK$3,900 and duty payable of about HK$2,600.
- Customs said the woman hid the cigarettes in a bra top and tight-fitting leggings; an official photo showed over 30 packs.
- She was arrested on the spot and charged with possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers.
- At Fanling Magistrates' Courts on August 11, she received four weeks in jail and a HK$1,000 fine under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.
Why It Matters
The case is a reminder that Hong Kong treats undeclared cigarettes as a criminal customs offense rather than a minor border infraction. Customs said the custodial sentence carries deterrent value, and it also reiterated that importing, dealing in, possessing, selling or buying illicit cigarettes can bring a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years' imprisonment.