Japan-arrival passenger jailed over 36,200 alternative smoking products
On.cc · 4 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A man arriving in Hong Kong from Japan was sentenced to immediate imprisonment for six months at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on September 4 after being convicted of illegally importing alternative smoking products. Authorities said 36,200 items were found in his luggage after the Customs and Excise Department alerted the Department of Health’s Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office on July 10.
Key Points
- The defendant was described as a man arriving from Japan, and the case was heard at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on September 4.
- The Department of Health said the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office seized 36,200 alternative smoking products from the man’s luggage on July 10.
- The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office arrested and prosecuted the man immediately after being notified by Hong Kong Customs.
- The Department of Health welcomed the sentence and warned residents and travellers not to bring e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong
- Since arrest powers for inspectors took effect on September 19, 2025, prosecutors have brought 31 cases, with 33 people convicted and jailed for between four weeks and eight months.
Why It Matters
The case underlines that bringing alternative smoking products into Hong Kong can lead to immediate jail terms rather than only fines, with enforcement now backed by direct arrest powers for tobacco control inspectors. The Department of Health has also reiterated that import, promotion, manufacture, sale and commercial possession of such products are prohibited under Hong Kong law