Hong Kong Customs has dismantled 84 large-scale illicit cigarette smuggling cases in the first half of 2025, seizing approximately 278 million illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of HK$1.25 billion and a potential duty loss of about HK$920 million.
These results build on the momentum of the Regional Conference on Combating Illicit Cigarettes, co-hosted with the Australian Border Force in November 2022, which has since strengthened regional cooperation and updated enforcement strategies to tackle evolving smuggling methods.
Earlier this year, Hong Kong Customs initiated a joint radar surveillance operation with mainland Chinese anti-smuggling departments targeting maritime cigarette smuggling syndicates.
The operation successfully dismantled four major sea routes and led to the seizure of about 49 million cigarettes from four fishing vessels.
Between March and July, Customs collaborated with Singapore Customs in a joint operation codenamed “Cutflow,” which uncovered multiple large-scale maritime smuggling cases.
The operation resulted in the seizure of around 107 million illicit cigarettes from 33 containers arriving from Singapore.
In addition to maritime operations, the department has intensified efforts to combat the air smuggling of illicit cigarettes.
During the first half of the year, special enforcement actions detected 44 cases involving air passengers, resulting in 48 arrests and the seizure of approximately 1.4 million illicit cigarettes.
Customs also uncovered several smuggling cases involving air parcels, seizing about 13 million illicit cigarettes and arresting seven individuals during 11 controlled delivery operations.
The department reiterated its commitment to maintaining close communication and intelligence sharing with mainland and international enforcement agencies to combat cross-border illicit cigarette activities.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, anyone found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo may face a fine of up to HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Additionally, under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, dealing in, possessing, selling, or buying illicit cigarettes may result in a fine of up to HK$1 million and two years’ imprisonment.
