Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming male passenger was sentenced to six weeks and 20 days' imprisonment and fined $4,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (March 17) 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 the incoming 69-year-old male passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on February 14 and seized 2 981 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $12,000 and a duty potential of about $10,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. 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).
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART (Hong Kong International Film & TV Market) 2026 today (March 17):
Wilfred (Chairman of the Film Development Council, Dr Wilfred Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. A very warm welcome to all of you, joining us from near and far, at the Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026.
FILMART, which opens today and marks its 30th anniversary this year, is Asia's largest film and entertainment content marketplace. It is also one of the world's premier film industry events, proudly presented by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, a valued partner of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government in promoting Hong Kong films and fostering international collaborations.
FILMART offers a vital platform for entertainment and film industry professionals from across the globe to showcase their content and explore opportunities for cross media, cross-sector collaboration and partnerships. Since 2023, my bureau - the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau - has hosted Hong Kong Night, a gathering designed to bring together our partners and collaborators, and to share highlights of this year's FILMART before your busy schedule begins.
As in previous years, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under my bureau, together with the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), are organising several events at FILMART 2026. A key highlight is the debut of "AI Academy, AI Hub", a programme that brings together specialists and pioneering users to share their professional knowledge and practical applications of AI engines and tools in the creation and production of high-quality film and animated content. While AI's full potential is yet to be realised, it is undoubtedly the most transformative development in decades - reshaping content, production models and business strategies, and redefining the core competitiveness of the film industry. We are ready to embrace and seize the new opportunities this brings.
Another major highlight is "Producers Connect", launched last year to great success. This initiative brings together local and international film professionals to explore co-production and business opportunities, while also nurturing emerging local producers. The Government has long recognised that talent development is fundamental to the sustainable growth of the film industry. To that end, CCIDA and the FDC have been working tirelessly. We sponsor filmmakers to attend overseas film festivals and subsidise various training programmes to support young directors and scriptwriters.
Enhancing international collaboration with industry partners beyond Hong Kong remains a core policy objective, especially as Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as the centre of East-meets-West cultural exchanges. FILMART is a prime example of this role. In addition, CCIDA leads industry delegations to international film festivals and promotes coproductions with Asian filmmakers.
While you are in Hong Kong, I encourage you to step out and explore our city's vibrant landscape. Over the past year, we have launched two film-related exhibitions in local settings. One is the "Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey" Exhibition in Kowloon Walled City Park, recreating the set of the acclaimed Hong Kong film, "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In". The other is "Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey" at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, reimagining a 1980s police station often featured in classic Hong Kong crime films. Both have become major attractions for tourists and film lovers alike. I highly encourage you to join the tour and discover many of our city's fascinating sites.
I would like to thank Dr Wong, the Chairman of the FDC, and all FDC members for their invaluable contributions and steadfast support for the development of Hong Kong's film industry. I wish you all a very pleasant evening and a rewarding and productive FILMART in the days ahead. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Night @ FILMART 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
