Police and customs officers intercepted two suspected smuggling operations in Sai Kung and Lantau Island on Saturday night, seizing more than HK$10.2 million worth of suspected illicit cigarettes.
The seizures were made during a joint operation conducted by the Marine Police Regional Task Force, Marine Outer Waters District, Marine East Division, Marine South Division, and the Customs Marine Joint Task Force.
Officers first spotted an unlit speedboat approaching the shore at Ah Kung Wan in Sai Kung, where several men were seen transferring cargo from the vessel to a truck waiting on land.
When officers moved in to intercept, the suspects jumped back onto the speedboat and fled toward southeastern Hong Kong waters.
In a separate incident, officers observed another unlit speedboat heading toward the shore at Sze Pak Wan on Sea Point Road in Lantau. A coordinated pursuit was launched, but the vessel fled south and escaped into mainland waters.
More than 2.2 million suspected illicit cigarettes were seized in the operation, with an estimated market value of over HK$10.2 million and a duty value of approximately HK$7.4 million.
A truck linked to the first case was impounded for further investigation. Both cases have been handed over to Customs for follow-up action.
Customs reiterated that trading in illicit cigarettes is a serious offense. Anyone found handling, possessing, selling or buying illicit cigarettes is liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and seven years’ imprisonment.
