HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs have uncovered thousands of illicit cigarettes hidden inside mattresses in a cross-border furniture van.
The truck, which was making its way into Hong Kong via Lok Ma Chau Control Point last Wednesday, was found to be concealing 610,000 cigarettes with a combined market value of HKD1.7 million and a duty potential of HKD1.2 million.
The cigarettes were discovered inside 25 mattresses. The van was also packed with assorted goods including furniture, electronics and shoes.
The 39-year-old driver was arrested and could face a fine of HKD2 million and seven years in prison if found guilty of smuggling.
A spokesman said on Saturday, “Hong Kong Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement action against the smuggling of illicit cigarettes at boundary control points.”
