Sai Kung anti-smuggling raid seizes 1.45 million illicit cigarettes
On.cc · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Police and Customs carried out a joint anti-smuggling operation in Sai Kung early on 6 October and uncovered a suspected illicit cigarette smuggling case near Cham Chuk Wan. Officers seized around 1.45 million suspected illicit cigarettes worth about HK$6.52 million, while the men involved escaped by speedboat and no arrests were reported.
Key Points
- During the early-hours operation on 6 October, officers monitored waters off Sai Kung and detected suspicious activity near the shore at Cham Chuk Wan.
- Personnel found two speedboats travelling without navigation lights, while several men transferred cargo from the boats onto a truck on land.
- Once officers moved in, the suspected smugglers immediately boarded the speedboats and fled Hong Kong's eastern waters toward inland areas.
- Authorities seized about 1.45 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of HK$6.52 million and duty value of HK$4.79 million.
- A suspected truck linked to the case was detained, and follow-up investigation is being handled by the relevant enforcement departments.
Why It Matters
The case highlights continued maritime smuggling risks along Hong Kong's eastern waters, where fast boats can quickly move contraband to shore under cover of darkness. The seizure also comes as penalties for offences involving duty-unpaid tobacco have been raised under the 2025 smoking control law amendments cited by authorities.