Hong Kong Customs swooped on a warehouse in Kwun Tong Monday, seizing 100,000 illicit cigarettes.
After an in-depth investigation, customs officers believe they have broken a supply chain of illegally imported and sold cigarettes. The seized stock has an estimated value of about $270,000 and a duty potential of about $190,000.
A 26 year old male was arrested at the scene.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possessing, selling and buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is imprisonment for two years and a fine of $1 million.
Officers who had been watching the warehouse, located in an industrial building, raided the premises after they became certain it was being used as a staging post for illegal sales to consumers.
“Customs will continue to undertake stringent enforcement against illicit cigarette activities to protect government revenue,” the regulatory body said in a statement.
Members of the public can report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline: 2545 6182.