Hong Kong Customs Seizes About 390,000 Suspected Illicit Cigarettes, Arrests Local Man in Anti-Smuggling Operation in Ma On Shan

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan yesterday (July 7). A total of about 390 000 suspected illicit cigarettes and 15 000 alternative smoking products were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.78 million while the duty potential was about $1.3 million. A local man was arrested.

Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Ma On Shan in the afternoon yesterday and searched two light goods vehicles parked in an outdoor carpark at Yiu Sha Road. Upon inspection, Customs found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes and alternative smoking products inside the vehicles, and arrested a 47-year-old local man who claimed to be a transportation worker. The vehicles connected with the case were also detained.

Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source, as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.

Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), any person who 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 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).

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan yesterday (July 7). A total of about 390 000 suspected illicit cigarettes and 15 000 alternative smoking products were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.78 million while the duty potential was about $1.3 million. A local man was arrested. Photo shows the suspected illicit cigarettes and alternative smoking products seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan yesterday (July 7). A total of about 390 000 suspected illicit cigarettes and 15 000 alternative smoking products were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.78 million while the duty potential was about $1.3 million. A local man was arrested. Photo shows a light goods vehicle connected with the case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette and alternative smoking product storage and distribution case in Ma On Shan yesterday (July 7). A total of about 390 000 suspected illicit cigarettes and 15 000 alternative smoking products were seized. The total estimated market value was about $1.78 million while the duty potential was about $1.3 million. A local man was arrested. Photo shows a light goods vehicle connected with the case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026 successfully concludes

The three-day Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026, jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Cyber Security Professionals Association, concluded successfully today (August 26). Featuring cyber attack and defence training, and competition for cyber security practitioners, this event aims to enhance industry readiness and promote cross-sector synergy to fully fortify Hong Kong's cybersecurity.

Tailored specifically for the industry, the training course covers common cyber attacks and defence techniques, and features an agentic artificial intelligence module to help participants understand the latest defence strategies and risk management, while preparing them for cybersecurity safeguarding in upcoming large-scale events. At the same time, the competition also brings together industry and academic elites to compete, comprehensively testing their crisis management and incident response capabilities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Superintendent of the CSTCB, Mr Lam Cheuk-ho, said that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to unprecedented cybersecurity risks and governance challenges, especially with criminals utilising AI to launch cyberattacks. Consequently, the industry must adapt dynamically by refining technology governance strategies and proactive defence mechanisms. This training helps enhance the industry's response capabilities and ensure the cybersecurity levels of organisations.

Acting Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure) of the DPO, Ms Cari Wu, said that cybersecurity serves as the solid cornerstone for advancing the digital economy and smart-city development. To build a robust digital defence line while balancing security and development, talent is an indispensable element. The DPO will continue to work closely with industry partners to establish a comprehensive talent-development ecosystem.

The event successfully attracted over 100 organisations and a total of 200 industry professionals to participate in the attack-and-defence training. The competition also attracted more than 660 teams, involving a total of 1,500 talented participants from industry and academia. It is believed that these efforts will deepen cross-sector collaboration and fully enhance Hong Kong’s overall cybersecurity defence capabilities.

Source: AI-found images