Customs seizes illicit cigarettes worth HK$29m

Hong Kong Customs seized about 10.5 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about HK$29 million at a logistics site in Tuen Mun on Friday. Two 28-year-old men were arrested.

The department said in a statement that officers found the cigarettes inside a 40-foot container at Lam Tei during spot checks.

They said the value of duties on such a cargo in Hong Kong would be about HK$20 million. Investigations are ongoing and authorities said further arrests could not be ruled out.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possessing, selling or buying illicit cigarettes is liable to a maximum fine of HK$1 million and imprisonment for two years.