Hong Kong Customs Launches Campaign Against Illicit Cigarettes in Tin Shui Wai Housing Estates

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tin Shui Wai

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 Tin Tsz Estate, Tin Yiu Estate, and Tin Shui Estate in Tin Shui Wai today (May 6). 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 duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and 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 Tin Shui Wai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tin Shui Wai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tin Shui Wai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP investigates case of mad honey poisoning

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 6) investigating a case of mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.

A 59-year-old female developed chest discomfort, dizziness, transient blurred vision over bilateral eyes and near syncope around 30 minutes after consuming honey on April 30. She was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital and was hospitalised for treatment. The patient was in stable condition. Her clinical diagnosis was mad honey poisoning. She was discharged on May 1.

Grayanotoxin was detected in the honey remnant and the patient's urine sample upon testing. A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had consumed honey brought by her from Türkiye recently. The CHP's investigation is ongoing, and the Turkish health authority will be informed.

Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins that can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur.

Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:

Buy honey from a reliable source or apiary;

Discard honey with a bitter or astringent taste -grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat; and

Pay special attention to honey from India, Nepal and the Black Sea region of Türkiye, as honey from these areas has led to grayanotoxin poisoning cases.

Source: AI-found images