Mainland arrival jailed over 14,000 illicit cigarettes
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A mainland Chinese male traveller arriving in Hong Kong was sentenced at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on July 31 after customs officers uncovered nearly 14,000 illicit cigarettes hidden in his luggage at the airport. He was convicted of importing uncustomed cigarettes and failing to make a declaration to customs officers, and was jailed for five months and fined HK$2,000.
Key Points
- The traveller was arrested after Hong Kong Customs found nearly 14,000 illicit cigarettes concealed inside his baggage upon arrival at the airport.
- He was charged under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance for importing uncustomed cigarettes and for failing to declare them to customs officers.
- The case was heard at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts, where he was sentenced on July 31 to five months' imprisonment.
- In addition to the jail term, the court imposed a fine of HK$2,000 for the offences linked to the undeclared cigarettes.
- Hong Kong Customs said it welcomed the sentence, adding that imprisonment carries considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the crime.
Why It Matters
The case underlines that cigarettes are dutiable goods in Hong Kong and that travellers who import, handle, possess, sell or buy illicit cigarettes face criminal liability.
Customs said the maximum penalty upon conviction is a HK$2 million fine and seven years' imprisonment, and urged the public to report suspected illicit cigarette activities through its hotline, email or online form.