Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming female passenger was sentenced to one month and two weeks' imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (March 24) 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 an incoming 83-year-old female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on February 24 and seized 4 181 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $17,000 and a duty potential of about $14,000 from her trolley. The female 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
Entries invited for MiMEP Infinity Awards
The inaugural MiMEP Infinity Awards, jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Architectural Services Department, are now open for entries until May 29. Under the theme "Shaping Infinity Tomorrow: MiMEP Innovation and High Productivity Construction", the competition welcomes participation from engineering project teams, engineering consultants, electrical and mechanical (E&M) contractors, and manufacturers in the Greater Bay Area.
With the Development Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province as advisors, the competition aims to promote the application of innovative technologies in E&M engineering to enhance construction efficiency, as well as to recognise the contributions of industry stakeholders in advancing high productivity construction. The Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) approach strengthens collaboration among engineering project stakeholders by integrating design, manufacturing, and assembly processes, thereby enhancing construction efficiency and achieving the goals of high-quality and sustainable development.
Speaking at the launching ceremony today (March 24), the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said that the innovative technologies developed by the Development Bureau and its departments have garnered multiple international awards, showcasing Hong Kong's achievements in innovation. Guided by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the Government will focus on high-quality development and promote the development of new quality productive forces. By leveraging innovative technologies such as MiMEP, the Government will accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry, further enhancing its overall competitiveness.
The launching ceremony was attended by over 300 industry stakeholders and government representatives both online and in person.
The competition features four major award categories: New Construction Project, Under Construction Project, Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition (RMAA), and Factory/Manufacturer, as well as three special award categories to recognise innovative practices and outstanding performance in different fields of the industry. For details of the competition, please visit mimep-infinity-awards.com.hk/index_en.html.
Entries invited for MiMEP Infinity Awards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Entries invited for MiMEP Infinity Awards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Entries invited for MiMEP Infinity Awards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Entries invited for MiMEP Infinity Awards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Entries invited for MiMEP Infinity Awards Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
