HONG KONG: Hong Kong customs officers arrested a truck driver at Lok Ma Chau control point after finding suspected illicit cigarettes worth 6.8 million HK dollars (about 0.88 million U.S. dollars) hidden in his vehicle.
The incoming container truck was declared to be carrying 192 boxes of plastic parts and appliances, but an X-ray examination and inspection revealed 194 boxes containing 2.5 million cigarettes with a duty potential of 4.8 million HK dollars.
The cigarettes were mix-loaded with other goods and concealed in the rear part of the container compartment.
The maximum penalty for smuggling is a fine of 2 million HK dollars and seven years in prison.(1 U.S. dollar equals 7.75 HK dollars)
