Customs seizes $9.9m illicit cigarettes from Yuen Long hidden warehouse

Hong Kong Customs seized around 2.2 million suspected illicit cigarettes valued at HK$9.9 million from a concealed inner warehouse inside a metal storage site in Yuen Long on Monday.

The raid targeted a metal warehouse in Ngau Tam Mei, where officers discovered 2.2 million illicit cigarettes with a duty potential of around HK$7.3 million yesterday afternoon.

Officers arrested a 37-year-old man who claimed to be a driver at the scene. A truck believed to be linked to the case was also impounded for further examination.

The storage facility, covering over 1,000 square feet, contained more than 10 different brands of illicit cigarettes.

Customs highlighted the syndicate’s use of a Matryoshka-style concealment technique, building a hidden inner warehouse within the larger outer structure in a remote location to avoid detection.

The operation is believed to have significantly disrupted a cigarette smuggling syndicate operating in the New Territories, preventing a large quantity of illicit cigarettes from reaching the market.

Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, dealing in, possessing, selling or buying illicit cigarettes carries a maximum penalty of an HK$2 million fine and seven years’ imprisonment.

The public is encouraged to report suspected illicit cigarette or drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline at 182 8080 or via their dedicated crime-reporting email.