Man convicted and jailed for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes
A man was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (February 12) for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
During an anti-illicit cigarette operation conducted on Kwai Hei Street in Kwai Chung on October 8, 2024, Customs officers intercepted a lorry and seized about 1.27 million illicit cigarettes in the lorry, with an estimated market value of about $5.7 million and a duty potential of about $4.2 million, and arrested a 31-year-old male lorry driver who was moving the illicit cigarettes.
Customs welcomes the sentences. 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, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying 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).
Man convicted and jailed for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Eastern District
Hong Kong Customs on February 10 and today (February 12) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with Legislative Council Member Ms Chik Kit-ling, members of the Eastern District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Police and the Housing Department (HD) at Hing Wah (2) Estate, Yue Wan Estate, Wan Tsui Estate and Siu Sai Wan Estate in Eastern District. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.
Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.
Customs officers also introduced the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong to the council members, residents, newspaper stall keepers and cigarette retailers. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. Customs will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs plans to implement the first phase of the Duty Stamp System in the fourth quarter this year, with full implementation in the second quarter of 2027, thus achieving the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat "cheap whites".
Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise the public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying 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/).
In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflets distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Eastern District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Eastern District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Eastern District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Eastern District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
