HK$2m of cigarettes found in dehumidifiers
Customs officers have coolly uncovered the latest means of smuggling illegal cigarettes into Hong Kong from the mainland, after HK$1.9 million worth of tobacco was found inside 47 fake dehumidifiers.
Customs officers have coolly uncovered the latest means of smuggling illegal cigarettes into Hong Kong from the mainland, after HK$1.9 million worth of tobacco was found inside 47 fake dehumidifiers.
The discovery was made at the Man Kam To border checkpoint on Tuesday when officers intercepted a truck coming from Shenzhen.
Wan Hing-chuen, who heads the department's division investigating illegal cigarettes, said the dehumidifiers looked genuine but officers became suspicious because the machines were heavier than usual and were not equipped with wheels.
Each of the machines stored 70 boxes of illicit cigarettes.
The consignment, with a duty potential of HK$1.3 million, was destined for local consumption, the department said.
Customs officers arrested a 52-year-old truck driver. The Hong Kong resident was released on bail.
