Secretary for Justice Inspects Passing-out Parade at HK Police College

SJ inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, inspected the passing-out parade for 34 probationary inspectors and 165 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (April 25), and witnessed their official transition from trainees to law enforcers, taking on the responsibility of serving and protecting society with utmost professionalism.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lam said that the rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success, with the Force as the first line of defence in upholding it. He said policing is not only about enforcing the law but, more importantly, about providing assurance to citizens and creating a safer society through its operations. The challenges in policing nowadays have become increasingly complex. Whether it is safeguarding national security, combating technology crimes, or managing large-scale events, police officers have to possess legal knowledge and be able to make the right decisions in dynamic environments. Upholding such professionalism is by no means easy.

He said that a harmonious and stable society is built upon mutual trust between the Police and the community. He expressed the hope that every graduate would carry out their duties in the future with fairness and impartiality, safeguarding the rule of law while attending to the needs of the public. He said he believed that as long as police officers adhere to their principles, while also being reasonable and compassionate, convincing others through sound reasoning and treating them with sincerity, they will earn the respect and support of citizens, thereby ensuring smoother law enforcement.

Mr Lam pointed out that Hong Kong is at the crucial stage of advancing from stability to prosperity. Despite the challenges ahead, he had full confidence in the graduates, who have undergone the most professional training and have shouldered the expectations of the community.

He said the graduates are the future of the Force and Hong Kong, and encouraged them to stay true to their original aspirations. They should uphold the rule of law and serve the people in the spirit of the Police motto "Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty", and steadfastly contribute to safeguarding national security and ensuring the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC (first left), and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming (second left), congratulate the probationary inspectors after the passing-out parade held at the Hong Kong Police College today (April 25). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, today (April 25) inspects a passing-out parade of 34 probationary inspectors and 165 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, speaks at a passing-out parade held at the Hong Kong Police College today (April 25). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, inspects a passing-out parade as reviewing officer at the Hong Kong Police College today (April 25). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and importing alternative smoking products

An incoming male passenger was sentenced to four months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (April 25) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming male passenger, aged 47, at Hong Kong International Airport on April 24, and seized about 21 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 21 200 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $211,000 and a duty potential of about $69,400 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.

Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong 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 dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and importing alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases