Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming male passengers were both sentenced to 5 months' imprisonment and fined $1,500 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (December 20) for possession of dutiable cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
During an anti-illicit cigarette operation conducted by Customs officers and Customs detector dog at Hong Kong International Airport on December 18, two incoming male passengers, aged 30 and 35, were intercepted and about 99 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from their personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $444,000 and a duty potential of about $326,000. The passengers were subsequently arrested. They were both sentenced to 5 months' imprisonment and fined $1,500 by the West Kowloon 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 possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Deputy Commissioner of Police encourages graduates to jointly safeguard Hong Kong citizens
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Yip Wan-lung, inspected the passing-out parade of 34 probationary inspectors and 187 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (December 20), and witnessed them joining the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) to shoulder the noble mission of safeguarding Hong Kong and protecting citizens.
In his address, Mr Yip said that upon officially taking up frontline duties, graduates must bear in mind that they are not merely law enforcers, but also guardians ensuring a peaceful and safe living environment for the citizens. He hoped they would embody the professional spirit of "going the extra mile" and "thinking more carefully and deeply".
He highlighted that, in response to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last month, various government units worked in concert to provide comprehensive support to affected victims throughout rescue and recovery efforts. The HKPF also mobilised a significant number of officers to assist in rescue operation and follow-up relief work, and conduct investigation.
He said police officers tried to promptly ascertain the status of missing persons for the distressed families, sparing them enduring regret. Professional investigation has been initiated with a view to holding those responsible accountable and upholding justice. Officers endured psychological stress in the search for bodies at the fire scene. They also maintained order to facilitate citizens who wished to pay their respects, while remaining vigilant against a small minority of ill-intentioned individuals seeking to exploit the disaster to sow discord, divide society, or even disrupt emergency recovery efforts. He described these police tasks as profoundly meaningful yet immensely challenging.
He pointed out that, by staying united and steadfast in carrying out their duties, Force members completed a large-scale search operation, which was originally expected to take several weeks, in approximately one week. This once again demonstrated the HKPF's spirit of "rising to the challenges and emerging even stronger".
Mr Yip concluded that policing has always been a demanding profession, marked by unforeseeable challenges, weighty responsibilities and a long journey ahead. He urged the graduates to stay committed to their original aspiration and to uphold the spirit of "rising to the challenges and emerging even stronger" when facing future challenges. He emphasised that it should serve as the driving force inspiring them to shoulder their mission with dedication, to strive forward with renewed vigour, and to pursue excellence.
Deputy Commissioner of Police encourages graduates to jointly safeguard Hong Kong citizens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Deputy Commissioner of Police encourages graduates to jointly safeguard Hong Kong citizens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Deputy Commissioner of Police encourages graduates to jointly safeguard Hong Kong citizens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Deputy Commissioner of Police encourages graduates to jointly safeguard Hong Kong citizens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Deputy Commissioner of Police encourages graduates to jointly safeguard Hong Kong citizens Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
