Hong Kong Customs detects four illicit cigarette smuggling cases and shuts down illicit cigarette packaging and storage centre with seizure worth about $69 million
Hong Kong Customs earlier detected four cases of cigarette smuggling in Kwai Chung and, upon follow-up investigation, raided an illicit cigarette packaging and storage centre in Sheung Shui on December 3. A total of about 12.3 million suspected illicit cigarettes and about 2 000 kilograms of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco with a total estimated market value of about $69 million and a duty potential of about $49 million were seized.
Customs in the past few months detected four cases of exporting smuggled cigarettes at the same logistics centre in Kwai Chung. A total of about 4.8 million suspected illicit cigarettes and about 2 000kg of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco were seized in several batches of goods destined for Australia.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs on December 3 took action and raided a metal warehouse in Sheung Shui, seizing 7.5 million suspected illicit cigarettes and a large batch of packaging tools and dismantling an illicit cigarette packaging and storage centre. During the operation, Customs officers arrested three men, aged between 41 and 75, who were suspected to be connected with the case. They comprised a driver and two packers.
Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate used remote places to store illicit cigarettes. After repackaging and mixed with some lamps and clothes as disguise, the illicit cigarettes were transported to the logistics centre concerned in Kwai Chung and planned to be shipped to Australia for profit.
Investigations of the cases are ongoing, and the three arrested men were released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis, and step up enforcement actions to combat cross-boundary illicit cigarettes activities. Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Hong Kong Customs detects four illicit cigarette smuggling cases and shuts down illicit cigarette packaging and storage centre with seizure worth about $69 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects four illicit cigarette smuggling cases and shuts down illicit cigarette packaging and storage centre with seizure worth about $69 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSARG responds to reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under HKHRDA incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 26) strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects US' reauthorization of the so-called Sanctions Provisions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (HKHRDA) incorporated in National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
A spokesman for the Government said, "In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security, the US has exposed its double standards by pointing the finger at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security."
"The Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the related Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity, aiming at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts and activities of endangering national security. It targets only an extremely small minority of people without affecting the basic rights and freedoms lawfully enjoyed by Hong Kong residents."
He said, "The US openly clamour for so-called 'sanctions' with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called 'sanctions' and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."
The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We have long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions. At the same time, the HKSAR Government has been implementing a comprehensive and robust control regime over the import and export of strategic commodities and maintaining active participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People's Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners and internationally.
The US has substantial economic interest in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, it registered a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong. Currently, some 1 390 US companies operate in Hong Kong. If the US insists on its acts, it will ultimately undermine the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US, harming the interests of the US and its companies.
The spokesman reiterated that foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR.
