Customs seized $1.3mn suspected fake goods and illicit cigarettes

A 54-year-old male driver was arrested after Customs seized suspected counterfeit goods and illicit cigarettes worth HK$1.3 million at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port on Thursday

The officers intercepted on the incoming lorry about 1,400 suspected counterfeit goods, including mobile phones, watches, and handbags. 

About 10,000 suspected illicit cigarettes were also discovered inside the cargo compartment of the lorry.

Meanwhile, an initial investigation revealed that the batch of goods and illicit cigarettes would have been transhipped to overseas regions.

The arrestee has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs reiterated that any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, with a maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

(Judy Cui)