Customs dismantles North Point illicit cigarette storage facility, arrests mainland man with $1.66 million haul

Hong Kong Customs uncovered an illicit cigarette storage facility in North Point on Thursday, seizing approximately 370,000 suspected illicit cigarettes valued at about HK$1.66 million with a duty potential of HK$1.22 million.

A 69-year-old unemployed mainland man holding a two-way permit was arrested during the operation. Customs officers spotted the suspect acting suspiciously while carrying a reusable shopping bag in North Point on Thursday afternoon. Inspection revealed 1,400 illicit cigarettes in his bag.

Officers subsequently escorted the man to a nearby residential unit where the remaining 370,000 cigarettes were discovered. Customs believes the operation successfully dismantled a storage and distribution center supplying the Eastern District.

The department reminded the public that penalties for tobacco tax-related offenses were strengthened effective September 19, increasing maximum fines from HK$1 million to HK$2 million and imprisonment terms from two to seven years. Both selling and buying illicit cigarettes violate the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, carrying maximum penalties of HK$2 million fines and seven years' imprisonment.