An incoming male passenger was sentenced to six months' imprisonment and a fine of HK$500 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (Jan. 15) for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted the incoming 25-year-old male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on Jan. 13 and seized about 38 200 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about HK$105,000 and a duty potential of about HK$126,000 from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offenses. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offense. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$1 million and imprisonment for two years.
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