Hong Kong Customs Enhances Anti-Illicit Cigarette Campaign with New Regulations and Public Awareness Efforts

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Yau Lai Estate and Chun Yeung Estate

Hong Kong Customs conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department (HD) in Yau Lai Estate, Kwun Tong, yesterday (April 16) and Chun Yeung Estate, Sha Tin, today (April 17). 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 to members of the District Council, residents, newspaper stall keepers and cigarette retailers the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve 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 (Cap. 109), 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 are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, 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 leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Yau Lai Estate and Chun Yeung Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Yau Lai Estate and Chun Yeung Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Yau Lai Estate and Chun Yeung Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Yau Lai Estate and Chun Yeung Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Yau Lai Estate and Chun Yeung Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD investigates suspected illegal trawling by local vessel

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is investigating two local persons and four Mainland fishermen deckhands for suspected illegal trawling in the waters off Shek Kwu Chau.

Marine Police officers found a local vessel suspected of conducting illegal trawling activities in the waters off Shek Kwu Chau at about 10.30pm yesterday (April 16). After being notified, AFCD officers conducted investigations and seized some apparatus for use in trawling on the vessel.

The AFCD is proceeding with evidence collection and investigation into the alleged use of prohibited fishing gear in contravention of the Fisheries Protection Regulations (Cap. 171A).

An AFCD spokesman reminded the public that the ban on trawling has come into force since December 31, 2012. Under the Regulations, any person using prohibited fishing gear for fishing upon conviction is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months.

The spokesman added that trawling is a non-selective fishing operation that damages the seabed and harms marine ecosystems. The ban on trawling brings this harmful depletion to an immediate halt, enabling marine ecosystems to be gradually rehabilitated to a sustainable level and be better conserved in the long run.

The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to cracking down on illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will maintain close contact with relevant law enforcement departments and step up patrols and stringently enforce the law."

AFCD investigates suspected illegal trawling by local vessel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases