Two passengers sentenced for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes at Hong Kong International Airport

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two incoming passengers were sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment and fined $300, and six weeks' imprisonment and fined $500, respectively by the courts today (December 15) for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 21-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (December 14). Around 10 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $48,600 and a duty potential of about $35,700, were seized from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment and fined $500 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday and seized 5 800 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $23,000 and a duty potential of about $19,000 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment and fined $300 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes 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.

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).

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema at Dublin International Film Festival 2026

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) showcased Hong Kong cinema by supporting the screening of Hong Kong films at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) 2026 in Dublin, Ireland, from February 19 to March 1 (Dublin time).

This year, DIFF featured two Hong Kong productions, namely "Four Trails", an award-winning documentary by Robin Lee, and the classic film "The Arch" by Tang Shu-shuen. A networking reception was hosted on February 25 after the screening of "Four Trails", for guests from the local cultural and business sectors.

Speaking at the reception, Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO Mr Kasper Ng said that with a unique blend of East and West, Hong Kong is an international hub with arts and culture, and its rich cultural diversity, creativity, and vibrancy provide a boundless source of inspiration for filmmakers to bring stories to life.

He also highlighted the Government's efforts to promote the development of Hong Kong's film industry through the Film Development Fund, and encouraged the guests to visit Hong Kong to experience both geo-tourism and world-class sporting activities in the city.

Lee, the director of "Four Trails", also shared his experiences of directing the documentary at the post-screening Q&A session.

DIFF is regarded as one of the most important annual events in Irish cinema, bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, and other industry professionals from Ireland and around the world. The festival is expected to attract over 22 000 film enthusiasts through a mix of industry-focused and public events.

Brussels ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema at Dublin International Film Festival 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema at Dublin International Film Festival 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema at Dublin International Film Festival 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases