Hong Kong Customs Launches Anti-Illicit Cigarette Publicity Campaign at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai

Hong Kong Customs today (June 17) conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department (HD) at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai. 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-years' imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.

Customs officers also introduced the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong to the members of the District Council, residents, and cigarette retailers. 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 today (June 17) conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department in Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows Customs officers promoting anti-illicit cigarette messages and introducing the Duty Stamp System to a cigarette retailer. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs today (June 17) conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department in Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Photo shows a Customs officer explaining anti-illicit cigarette messages to a resident. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs today (June 17) conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department in Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Home Affairs Department alerts public to attempted impersonations of Care Teams

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) today (June 18) alerted members of the public to beware of attempted impersonations of District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) for fraudulent purposes.

The HAD has recently been informed by an individual sub-district Care Team that some residents were visited by persons who claimed to be Care Team members, distributing blessing bags to an elderly person and requesting the elderly to sign unknown papers.

The spokesman reminded members of the public that they should remain vigilant when any request for visit by unknown persons, as well as unidentified calls or messages are received. If in doubt about the identity of the callers or visitors, please call 182 111 to verify the identity of Care Team members and volunteers, and obtain the Care Teams' contact information. In case of suspicious circumstances, please call the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.

Members and volunteers of Care Teams will wear Care Team uniforms and display Care Team member or volunteer Certificates of Identity for identification when providing caring services. Members of the public may visit the dedicated webpage on members of Sub-district Care Teams (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/district_services_community_care_teams/subdistrictcareteams.htm) for the information of Care Team members and the contact information of their operating organisations.

Source: AI-found images