Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming passengers were sentenced to three months' imprisonment and six weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (April 21) 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 34-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on April 12 and seized 7 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $30,340 and a duty potential of about $24,460, from her personal baggage. The female passenger was subsequently arrested, and she was sentenced to three months' imprisonment by the Courts today.
In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming 54-year-old male passenger at the same control point on the same day and seized 1 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes from his personal baggage. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $5,740, and the duty potential was about $4,630. The male passenger was subsequently arrested, and he was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Courts today.
Customs welcomes the sentences, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.
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).
Source: AI-found images
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Health Services visited the CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) today (April 21) to learn about the hospital's clinical services, operational model and latest developments.
Accompanied by the Chairman of the Council of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Professor John Chai, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the CUHK, Professor Dennis Lo, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of theCUHK, Professor Patrick Yung, and the Chief Executive Officer of theCUHKMC, Dr Chung Kin-lai, Members gained an understanding of the development of theCUHK, its Faculty of Medicine and theCUHKMC, as well as the synergy of their tripartite partnership at the History Gallery.
Members toured the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre, the Endoscopy Centre and the Day Surgery Centre; and they were presented with the surgical robotic system designed by the CUHK team. Members noted that the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre delivered comprehensive rehabilitation services catering to both elite athletes and the general public, and observed the application of advanced equipment such as the gait analysis system and exoskeleton. Members also learnt how medical innovations developed bytheCUHK were being applied in advanced endoscopic surgeries at the Endoscopy Centre.
Members noted the hospital's adoption of medical technology, including the use of surgical robotic system to successfully complete more than 130 urological surgeries. The system is specifically optimised for performing procedures within the narrow confines of the pelvic cavity. The clinical data indicates that the system contributes to reduced postoperative complications and accelerated recovery. Moreover, the hospital has introduced the Unity MR-Linac system, one of only two such systems in Hong Kong, to deliver high-precision radiotherapy to cancer patients.
Members then received a briefing from the representatives of theCUHKMC on the latest situation of the hospital. They noted that the hospital had been proactively introducing measures on generating revenue and managing costs. Members also exchanged views with the representatives of theCUHKMC on how to continuously improve the theCUHKMC's financial and operational situations.
A total of 13 members and non-members of the Panel on Health Services participated in the visit.
LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
