Customs seizes $5 million illicit cigarettes in Yuen Long container home, arrests woman

Hong Kong customs arrested a 59-year-old local woman and seized about 1.12 million suspected illicit cigarettes worth HK$5 million in a Yuen Long container home on Wednesday.

The duty value of the seized cigarettes is estimated at HK$3.7 million. Officers from the revenue crimes investigation bureau conducted the anti-illicit cigarette operation on Wednesday morning.

Following an initial investigation, the bureau believes the cigarettes were intended for supply in the Yuen Long area. The woman, who claimed to reside in the container home, has been charged with one count of "possession of goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies" and two counts of "dealing with goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies."

Customs reiterated that both selling and buying illicit cigarettes are illegal. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, offenders face a maximum penalty of HK$2 million in fines and seven years imprisonment.