Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming female passenger was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $500 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (October 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming 36-year-old local female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on October 14 and seized 381 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal belongings, with an estimated market value of about $1,900, and a duty potential of about $1,260. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects 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).
An incoming local female passenger was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $500 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (October 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance. Photo shows the duty-not-paid cigarettes seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCST congratulates Hong Kong, China athletes on winning six more medals today in Asian Para Games
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (October 23) extended her congratulations to swimming athlete Chan Yui-lam on winning a silver medal in Women's 200m Individual Medley SM14; table tennis athletes Chiu Kan-shan and Wong Yue-ching on winning a silver medal in Women's doubles - Class WD14; and table tennis athletes Ng Mui-wui and Wong Ting-ting on winning a silver medal in Women's doubles - Class WD22 at the 5th Asian Para Games.
Miss Law also congratulated fencing athlete Yu Chui-yee on winning a bronze medal in Women's Sabre Category A; table tennis athletes Ho Ka-sing and Wong Chi-yin on winning a bronze medal in Men's doubles - Class MD18; and table tennis athletes Wan Wai-lok and Yuen King-shing on winning a bronze medal in Men's Doubles - Class MD22.
Miss Law said, "The Hong Kong, China delegation secured six more medals today. Following her success in the butterfly, backstroke, and relay events, Chan Yui-lam secured a silver medal in the individual medley, demonstrating her all-around prowess. The table tennis team also achieved another milestone, where Chiu Kan-shan, Wong Yue-ching, Ng Mui-wui, Wong Ting-ting, Ho Ka-sing, Wong Chi-yin, Wan Wai-lok and Yuen King-shing collectively won two silver and two bronze medals in the doubles events. Including competitions held in the previous days, the table tennis team has now won a total of 15 medals - five silver and 10 bronze - a truly gratifying achievement. Meanwhile, Yu Chui-yee continued her excellent form, clinching another bronze medal with an outstanding performance. Tomorrow (October 24) marks the final day of the Asian Para Games. Our fencing and boccia athletes will continue to give their all. Let’s join together to cheer them on!"
The Hong Kong, China Delegation has so far won 36 medals, namely two gold, 13 silver and 21 bronze medals, at the Asian Para Games. The newly added six medals are as follows:
Silver medals
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Swimming: Women's 200m Individual Medley SM14
Chan Yui-lam
Table Tennis: Women's doubles - Class WD14
Chiu Kan-shan, Wong Yue-ching
Table Tennis: Women's doubles - Class WD22
Ng Mui-wui, Wong Ting-ting
Bronze medals
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Fencing: Women's Sabre Category A
Yu Chui-yee
Table Tennis: Men's doubles - Class MD18
Ho Ka-sing, Wong Chi-yin
Table Tennis: Men's Doubles - Class MD22
Wan Wai-lok, Yuen King-shing
