Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming passengers were sentenced to four months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000, and two months' imprisonment respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 19) 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 43-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on January 11, and seized a total of 10 781 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $44,000 and a duty potential of about $35,600, from her personal baggage and inside the pockets of her jacket. She was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to four months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 by the court today.
In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 51-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point yesterday (January 18) and seized 4 181 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $17,000 and a duty potential of about $14,000 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment by the court 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 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
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
