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

Fatal traffic accident in Kwai Chung

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Kwai Chung today (May 8) in which a man died.

Police received a report at 4.33pm that a light goods vehicle (LGV) driven by a 38-year-old man reportedly knocked down a 73-year-old man when it reversed inside an industrial building on Lam Tin Street.

Sustaining serious head injuries, the 73-year-old man was certified dead at scene.

The LGV driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories South is under way.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 1346.

Source: AI-found images