HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected cases of using cross-boundary private cars to smuggle illicit cigarettes yesterday. About 220,000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were seized. The total market value of the cigarettes was about $620,000 with a duty potential of about $430,000.
In the operation, two male drivers aged 27 and 41 were arrested and the private cars used in the suspected smuggling of illicit cigarettes were detained.
Customs identified a syndicate using cross-boundary private cars to smuggle illicit cigarettes and distribute them to peddlers speedily. Customs officers took enforcement action last night and intercepted two cross-boundary private cars in Yuen Long. A total of about 220 000 sticks of suspected illicit cigarettes were found in the vehicles.
Investigation is ongoing.
