Police, Customs seize 7.19 million suspected illicit cigarettes
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Police and Customs carried out a joint anti-smuggling operation in waters off southern Hong Kong Island and northern Lantau in the early hours of September 1, uncovering two suspected smuggling cases. The operation led to the seizure of about 7.19 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of HK$32.36 million and a duty potential of about HK$23.77 million.
Key Points
- After investigation and intelligence analysis, enforcement officers and Customs' Marine Enforcement Division mounted the operation in the relevant waters early on September 1
- Officers spotted five speedboats without navigation lights near Tai Tam Reservoir Road and the shoreline at Sham Shui Kok, where several men were unloading cargo to trucks.
- When officers moved in, the suspected smugglers boarded the speedboats and fled, prompting a pursuit by enforcement personnel at sea and along the shore.
- Two of the speedboats escaped from waters south of Hong Kong toward the mainland direction, while suspects on three others allegedly reached Tung Chung waterfront and abandoned the boats.
- Authorities seized about 7.19 million suspected illicit cigarettes and impounded three suspected speedboats and two goods vehicles for further investigation.
Why It Matters
The case involves a large quantity of suspected illicit cigarettes and substantial unpaid duty, pointing to the revenue impact that maritime smuggling can have on Hong Kong. Customs is continuing the investigation, so follow-up enforcement action may focus on the supply chain and those who escaped during the operation.