Incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming passengers were each sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $3,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (March 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 48-year-old incoming female passenger and a 56-year-old incoming male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on March 13 and seized 1 381 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 1 391 duty-not-paid cigarettes from them respectively, with a total estimated market value of about $11,000 and a total duty potential of about $9,100. They were subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentences. 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, 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 passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
WSD and PMSA award certificates to commend property management companies' efforts in ensuring drinking water safety
The Water Supplies Department (WSD), in collaboration with the Property Management Services Authority (PMSA), today (March 19) held a certificate award ceremony for the Quality Property Management Company Scheme - Fresh Water (Management System) to commend participating property management companies for their active participation in the Scheme and to acknowledge their efforts and contributions in protecting the drinking water safety of the buildings they manage. The ceremony was officiated by the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, and the Chairperson of the PMSA, Dr James Wong.
Speaking at the event, Mr Wong said, "Since 2017, the WSD has been promoting the implementation of the Water Safety Plan for Buildings (WSPB) to owners and property managers to ensure the safety of drinking water in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Furthermore, in the same year, the WSD introduced additional requirements for new buildings to undergo systematic flushing tests before occupation to ensure that their plumbing systems are in good condition upon commissioning and to minimise drinking water safety risks."
Since the middle of last year, to strengthen the promotion and publicity of drinking water safety, the WSD and the property management sector have identified about 600 private residential buildings that have implemented these requirements, involving 26 property management companies and benefitting about 91 000 households.
These property management companies have actively participated in the Scheme, under which they are required to rigorously inspect and maintain fresh water plumbing systems, including regular checks, timely repairs, and routine cleansing of fresh water storage tanks, to safeguard drinking water safety. Certificates were presented to these companies, which have set a positive example for the industry. The WSD hopes the Scheme will encourage more property management companies to effectively protect drinking water safety of buildings.
As of February 2026, about 5 560 buildings, including about 4 400 residential buildings, have adopted the WSPB, covering approximately 1.25 million households - nearly half of all households in Hong Kong. These figures reflect the growing attention of the industry and property owners to drinking water safety and demonstrate the success of the collaboration between the Government and the industry.
Dr Wong said, "Property management companies and their practitioners act as the 'guardians of property' for the public and bear a crucial responsibility for maintaining fresh water plumbing systems. This Scheme encourages property management companies to sign the commitment letters to continuously conduct regular inspections and maintenance of buildings' fresh water plumbing systems. This not only enhances the professional awareness of property management practitioners regarding drinking water safety, but also promotes the industry's advancement in related knowledge and technology, ensuring that the general public can enjoy safe and quality drinking water."
Dr Wong also shared that water is the lifeline that sustains people's lives and is an essential resource for maintaining the city's daily operation. Safeguarding this lifeline depends not only on the WSD's extensive supply network but also crucially on the effective "backup" management of the inside service. These 26 property management companies recognised today have demonstrated their role as guardians of this lifeline.
WSD and PMSA award certificates to commend property management companies' efforts in ensuring drinking water safety Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
