Two Passengers Imprisoned for Smuggling Duty-Not-Paid Cigarettes at Lo Wu Control Point

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

Two incoming passengers were sentenced to two months' and 10 weeks' imprisonment respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 16) for 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 37-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point yesterday (January 15) and seized 4 403 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $18,000 and a duty potential of about $15,000, from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to two months' imprisonment today.

On the same day, Customs officers intercepted a 23-year-old incoming male passenger at the same control point and seized 5 192 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $21,000 and a duty potential of about $17,000, from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to 10 weeks' imprisonment today.

Customs welcomes the sentences, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. 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 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

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 3) detected a drug trafficking case involving two passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 1.1 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about $1 million. Two males were arrested.

Two male passengers aged 52 and 24 arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia, yesterday. Customs officers intercepted the two men and found the batch of suspected cocaine in one of their carry-on baggage. The duo was subsequently arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 detects drug trafficking case involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases