"Smuggling" hidden in containers! Customs successfully cracked many smuggling cases!
Recently, according to the latest news release from the Hong Kong Customs, China, four cases of smuggled cigarettes were successfully cracked at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal between September 25 and October 4, 2024. In this operation, a total of about 7.4 million suspected smuggled cigarettes were seized, with a market value of about HK$33 million, and the estimated amount of tax evasion reached HK$25 million.
Hong Kong Customs announced that based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis, they inspected a 40-foot sea container declared to be loaded with tiles and arrived in Hong Kong from Nansha at the Customs Inspection Yard at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal on September 25. During the inspection, customs officers found about 2.4 million suspected smuggled cigarettes in the container and arrested a 68-year-old man suspected of being involved in the case.
In the follow-up investigation, Hong Kong Customs uncovered three similar cases in succession at the Customs Building Inspection Yard at the Tuen Mun Inland Port. On October 2, 3 and 4, customs officers inspected three 40-foot containers that arrived in Hong Kong from Nansha. These containers were declared to be loaded with food, cardboard boxes and chandeliers. In these three operations, a total of about 5 million suspected smuggled cigarettes were seized, and three men aged between 67 and 68 were arrested for suspected involvement in the case.
It is reported that the above four cases are still under investigation.
Hong Kong Customs stressed that they will continue to use risk assessment and intelligence analysis methods to strengthen the crackdown on cross-border cigarette smuggling. It should be pointed out that smuggling is a serious crime. According to the Import and Export Ordinance, anyone who illegally imports or exports undeclared goods, once convicted, may face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and seven years in prison.
According to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone who handles, possesses, sells or purchases contraband cigarettes commits an offence and, upon conviction, may be fined up to $1 million and imprisoned for two years.
In response to the recent series of smuggling cases, the Tuen Mun Inland Port Customs stated that it will maintain a high-pressure stance and continue to crack down on smuggling crimes.
The successful cracking of four cigarette smuggling cases at Tuen Mun River Terminal marks another important achievement of the Customs in combating smuggling crimes. Looking ahead, the Customs will continue to maintain a high-pressure stance, firmly curb the spread of smuggling crimes, and strive to make positive contributions to maintaining national economic security and social stability.
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Source: Hong Kong Customs, Shipping Information
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