Hong Kong customs arrests 149 in crackdown on phone-order illicit cigarette trade
Customs says operation, code-named ‘Thunder’, also led to seizure of HK$5.6 million worth of contraband goods.
Hong Kong customs officers have rounded up 149 residents, including three students, in a crackdown on sales of untaxed cigarettes at public housing estates, leading to the seizure of HK$5.6 million (US$718,000) worth of contraband goods.
The Post learned on Wednesday that most of the arrestees were suspected buyers of illegal tobacco products through phone orders. Six teenagers were among the group, including three schoolboys.
Assistant Superintendent Iris Cheung Sui-man of customs’ revenue crimes investigation bureau said the group comprised 127 men and 22 women, aged from 15 to 78, with some suspected of selling illegal tobacco products.
Customs arrested 12,273 people in connection with 12,850 cases involving illicit cigarettes during the first eight months of this year, an increase of 86 per cent from the 6,598 people apprehend in connection with 7,096 cases over the same period in 2023.
A source said many of those arrested were detained at air, land and sea entry points when they arrived in Hong Kong from mainland China and overseas.
The arrivals were found to be in possession of tobacco products in excess of the quantity allowed under duty-free concession.