Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing/possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming female passengers were sentenced to three months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000, and six weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000, respectively, by the Fanling Magistrates Courts today (June 23) for importing or possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming 43-year-old Chinese female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on April 19 and seized 13 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $59,000 and a duty potential of about $46,000. She was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 by the Courts today.
In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming 49-year-old local female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on May 21 and seized 981 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $4,000 and a duty potential of about $3,000. She was subsequently arrested and released on bail. Customs officers intercepted the female passenger again at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on June 6 and seized 1 261 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $5,000 and a duty potential of about $4,000. She was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 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).
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing/possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing/possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing/possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HK Advisory Council on AIDS endorses and commends DH's one-stop sexual health service for integrated approach to preventing multiple diseases and for addressing sexual minorities' diverse needs
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS:
The Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS (ACA) held a meeting today (June 23) to receive a briefing from the Department of Health (DH) on the latest developments in global HIV/AIDS strategies, and to discuss ways to further enhance HIV prevention and control measures in Hong Kong. The ACA endorses and commends the one-stop sexual health service provided by the DH for effectively addressing the diverse needs of sexual minorities.
At the meeting, the DH introduced the "The Global AIDS Strategy for 2026–2031: United towards ending AIDS" released by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in February this year. The strategy sets the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat globally by 2030, while establishing a sustainable long-term response for addressing HIV/AIDS. The DH noted that the strategic directions are highly aligned with Hong Kong's current HIV prevention and control strategy (Recommended HIV/AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong 2022-2027) and measures. DH will further study the strategy as a reference for formulating the next recommended HIV/AIDS strategy for Hong Kong, with a view to continuously strengthening local prevention and control efforts.
The DH also briefed the ACA on the comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention services delivered by three programmes at Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre (YMTITC) under Special Preventive Programme, as well as reported on their service scope and effectiveness. The three programmes include the AIDS Counselling and Testing Service, the Therapeutic Prevention Clinic and The Commons. With reference to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, and adopting a people-centric approach, the DH established The Commons at YMTITC in February 2024, to provide one-stop HIV and viral hepatitis screening, sexual health assessment, and testing and treatment for individual sexually transmitted infections. The Commons also proactively identifies individuals with risk behaviours or those in need to offer them counselling services, and works closely with social welfare organisations to maximise disease prevention efforts under the primary healthcare framework.
Having operated for around two years with over 2 000 service attendance, a number which continues to grow, The Commons is well-received and supported by its service users. Over 98 per cent of service users have, through The Commons, developed the habit of undergoing regular assessment and screening of sexually transmitted infections, which helps strengthen early case identification and intervention and enhances overall prevention and control effectiveness.
All ACA members recognised the remarkable results of The Commons in achieving the objective of integrated prevention, screening and care for multiple conditions, which helps to provide more tailored and accessible comprehensive preventive services for individuals at higher risk of infection.
Since its establishment in 1990, the ACA has been keeping in view local and international trends and developments relating to HIV infection and AIDS. It has also played a pivotal role in advising the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on policies relating to the prevention, care and control of HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong. The ACA has published six sets of recommended HIV/AIDS strategies which have served as blueprints for the HIV response in Hong Kong.
HK Advisory Council on AIDS endorses and commends DH's one-stop sexual health service for integrated approach to preventing multiple diseases and for addressing sexual minorities' diverse needs Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
