Customs Busts Two Kwun Tong Illicit Cigarette Warehouses
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it raided two suspected illicit cigarette storage warehouses in an industrial building in Kwun Tong on September 9, seizing about 2.37 million suspected illicit cigarettes. A 29-year-old mainland Chinese man was arrested at the scene, and the goods were estimated to have a market value of about HK$10.67 million and a duty value of about HK$7.84 million.
Key Points
- Customs officers searched two suspicious units in a Kwun Tong industrial building on September 9 and uncovered two suspected illicit cigarette storage warehouses.
- Officers seized about 2.37 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about HK$10.67 million.
- The suspected unpaid duty on the cigarettes was estimated at about HK$7.84 million, according to Customs.
- A 29-year-old mainland Chinese man was arrested on the spot during the operation and is being held for investigation.
- Customs said the investigation is continuing, it is tracing the source of the illicit cigarettes, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Why It Matters
Customs said it will continue using risk assessment and intelligence analysis to intercept illicit cigarettes at source, alongside enforcement targeting storage, distribution and sales. The department also reiterated that handling, possessing, selling or buying illicit cigarettes is illegal under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance and carries a maximum penalty of a HK$2 million fine and seven years' imprisonment.