Hong Kong Customs detects sea smuggling case and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $33 million
Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation yesterday (September 12) in waters west of Aberdeen and seized about 7.4 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $33 million and a duty potential of about $24 million, in a tugboat.
During the anti-smuggling operation conducted in south-western waters of Hong Kong yesterday early morning, Customs, through intelligence analysis, spotted a suspicious tugboat heading from the south of Lamma Island to Aberdeen. Officers then immediately intercepted the tugboat and found a total of 730 carton boxes which contained about 7.4 million suspected illicit cigarettes inside two suspected altered compartments of the boat. The tugboat was also detained for further investigation.
During the operation, Customs officers arrested three men, aged between 26 and 57, who declared themselves to be the crew members. They were suspected to be connected with the case.
An investigation is ongoing. Customs will continue to trace the source and flow of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Customs reminds members of the public that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects sea smuggling case and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $33 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Dim Sum without Distance": a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto
Internationally renowned digital media artist Dr Hung Keung from Hong Kong joined Nuit Blanche, the largest overnight contemporary art festival Toronto, Canada, and presented a cross-cultural collaboration project with Canadian dance artist Lauren Runions. The art project gave visitors a taste of the new realm of digital media art creation through traditional Chinese landscape painting theory, new media and the culinary art of dim sum on October 5 and 6 (Toronto time).
The project, entitled, "Dim Sum without Distance", reimagines the traditional Chinese painting theory of the "Three Distances," which explores depth through perspectives of looking up, down and across. The installation was inspired by these viewpoints and the culinary art of dim sum, a term that may also be interpreted as "to touch the heart", and aligned with the theme of this year's Nuit Blanche, which is "Bridging Distance".
The art piece was showcased at Love Park along Toronto's waterfront, creating a unique cultural dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries. The video content follows Runions's journey through Hong Kong, where dim sum-making becomes a form of performance art. Through a captivating multimedia experience, Dr Hung and Runions explore the intricate relationship between food, culture and art, encouraging audiences to reflect on the shared experiences that unite diverse communities.
As audiences moved through the park, the work invited them to experience different perspectives and explore the profound connection between the traditional and contemporary.
Dr Hung is a digital media artist and professor at the Education University of Hong Kong. He blends Chinese philosophy with digital media in an innovative artistic practice, which explores interactive performance and experimental art. This innovative installation is one of highlights of Nuit Blanche this year, captivating art lovers and curious minds alike with its rich storytelling and immersive visuals.
Nuit Blanche is Toronto's annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto's arts community. The "Dim Sum without Distance" project was sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board with the support of Hong Kong Arts Centre.
"Dim Sum without Distance": a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Dim Sum without Distance": a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Dim Sum without Distance": a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Dim Sum without Distance": a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Dim Sum without Distance": a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Dim Sum without Distance": a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
