Hong Kong Customs Seizes 270,000 Illicit Cigarettes in Major Smuggling Operation at HZMB Bridge

Hong Kong Customs and Hong Kong Police Force detect two suspected illicit cigarette smuggling cases in joint anti-smuggling operation

Hong Kong Customs and the New Territories South Traffic Division of the Hong Kong Police Force mounted a joint anti-smuggling operation yesterday (October 13) at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and detected two suspected illicit cigarette smuggling cases with about 270 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.4 million and the duty potential was about $880,000. Four men, aged between 28 and 58, were arrested and two private cars involved in the cases were also seized.

Based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs and police officers intercepted two inbound private cars at the HZMB Hong Kong Port yesterday. Upon inspection of the first private car, Customs officers seized about 130 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes from the front and rear passenger seats, the boot and hollow spaces of the vehicle. A 36-year-old male driver and a 28-year-old male passenger were arrested. Subsequently, Customs officers seized about 140 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with a similar concealment in the second private car. A 51-year-old male driver and a 58-year-old male passenger were also arrested.

The four arrested men have each been charged with one count of importing goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) applies. The cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 15).

Members of the public are reminded that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs and Hong Kong Police Force detect two suspected illicit cigarette smuggling cases in joint anti-smuggling operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs and Hong Kong Police Force detect two suspected illicit cigarette smuggling cases in joint anti-smuggling operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FEHD deeply grieved by death of Workman II

The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, today (December 31) expressed profound sadness at the passing of a Workman II, Ms Li Haiying, and offered his deepest condolences to her family.

Ms Li was carrying out street cleansing duties this afternoon in the vicinity of Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei. While transporting refuse to the junction of Waterloo Road and Ferry Street, she was knocked down by a goods vehicle. She was sent to hospital and later certified dead, aged 57. Investigation by the Police is under way.

Ms Li was under the Yau Tsim District Environmental Hygiene Office and was mainly responsible for street cleansing work.

Mr Ng said, "Having joined theFood and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) for over nine years, Ms Li served the public with dedication and perseverance. I am deeply grieved at the loss of such a devoted colleague. On behalf of all our colleagues, I offer the deepest condolences to her family."

The FEHD will maintain close contact with Ms Li's family and provide all appropriate support and assistance to help them through this difficult time.

Source: AI-found images