Two drivers sentenced for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes in Hong Kong; significant penalties imposed for smuggling.

Two male drivers convicted and jailed for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two male drivers, aged 36 and 51, were sentenced to eight months' and seven months' imprisonment respectively by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (January 7) for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

On October 13, 2025, Hong Kong Customs and Traffic New Territories Southof the Hong Kong Police Force mounted joint anti-smuggling operations at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, officers of Customs and the Police intercepted two inbound private cars at the HZMB Hong Kong Port on that day. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized about 130 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes from the front and rear passenger seats, the boot and hollow spaces of the private car of the 36-year-old man. He was sentenced today to eight months' imprisonment for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes.

Also, Customs officers seized about 140 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with a similar concealment in the 51-year-old man's private car. The man was sentenced today to seven months' imprisonment for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes.

The two private cars were also seized. The total estimated market value of the cigarettes seized in the case was about $1.33 million, and the duty potential was about $880,000.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public 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 combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.

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 male drivers convicted and jailed for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two male drivers convicted and jailed for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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

Two incoming passengers were sentenced to four months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,200, andthree months' imprisonment, respectively by the courts today (January 8) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 41-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on August 31, 2025, and seized 10 880 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $44,000 and a duty potential of about $35,000 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to four months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,200 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 39-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on January 6. About 8 080 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $36,000 and a duty potential of about $27,000 were seized from the inner pockets of his jacket and his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. 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 duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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