Sai Kung anti-smuggling raid seizes HK$18 million illicit cigarettes
HK01 · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A joint enforcement operation in waters off Sai Kung on September 21 uncovered a suspected sea-borne cigarette smuggling operation at Ah Kung Wan and Lobster Bay. Officers seized about four million suspected illicit cigarettes worth an estimated HK$18 million, but four speedboats involved in the case escaped toward mainland waters after a pursuit.
Key Points
- Officers conducting an anti-smuggling operation found two unlit speedboats at Ah Kung Wan and another two at Lobster Bay in Sai Kung.
- Several men were seen moving cargo from the speedboats onto trucks parked onshore before enforcement officers took action.
- The suspects immediately boarded the speedboats and fled; all four vessels later escaped Hong Kong's southeastern waters toward the mainland direction.
- Officers seized about four million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of HK$18 million and duty potential of about HK$13 million
- Two suspected goods vehicles linked to the cases were detained, and Customs is continuing the investigation
Why It Matters
The case points to continued use of remote coastal landing points in Sai Kung for suspected illicit cigarette trafficking, even when multiple departments are involved in enforcement. The seizure also underlines the financial stakes of tobacco smuggling, with authorities citing penalties of up to HK$2 million and seven years' imprisonment under the 2025 amended tobacco law and the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.