Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming male passenger was sentenced to four months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts yesterday (August 20) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted a 28-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on August 19 and seized 29 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $130,000 and a duty potential of about $95,000 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 deals with, possesses, sells or buys duty-not-paid 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).
An incoming male passenger was sentenced to four months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on August 20 for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO). Photo shows the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds "Customs YES" Summer Internship Programme 2026 Certificate Presentation Ceremony
Hong Kong Customs today (November 12) held the "Customs YES" Summer Internship Programme 2026 Certificate Presentation Ceremony at the Customs Headquarters Building to present certificates of appreciation and internship certificates to the representatives of the supporting organisations and "Customs YES" members respectively.
Delivering a speech at the ceremony, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, said that Hong Kong Customs has been organising the Summer Internship Programme for six consecutive years. This year, a total of 150 internship positions were offered both locally and on the Mainland, attracting more than 1 200 applications. He expressed his appreciation to the supporting organisations for their active participation and the mentors for their dedicated guidance, which enabled young people to gain practical workplace experience, explore their career aspirations and better prepare themselves for further studies and employment.
This year's programme expanded its Mainland internship network to Sichuan and offered more internship opportunities in public service and charitable organisations, enabling young people to gain exposure to different industries and public affairs, and to deepen their understanding of the country's development and community needs. Mr Chan encouraged young people to make the most of these opportunities, better equip themselves for the future, and apply their knowledge and skills to serve society and contribute to the development of the country and Hong Kong.
Looking ahead, Customs will continue to support the youth development policies of the country and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Through "Customs YES", Customs will strengthen collaboration with various sectors to expand internship and exchange opportunities, and leverage its international co-operation network to support members' participation in more international activities, nurturing a new generation with a strong sense of national identity, a global perspective and a commitment to society.
Hong Kong Customs holds "Customs YES" Summer Internship Programme 2026 Certificate Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds "Customs YES" Summer Internship Programme 2026 Certificate Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds "Customs YES" Summer Internship Programme 2026 Certificate Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds "Customs YES" Summer Internship Programme 2026 Certificate Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds "Customs YES" Summer Internship Programme 2026 Certificate Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds "Customs YES" Summer Internship Programme 2026 Certificate Presentation Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
