A female traveler was sentenced to three months in prison and fined today (Feb. 13) at the Fanling Magistrates' Court for possessing untaxed cigarettes and failing to declare them to customs, violating the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.
Customs officials reported that on Jan. 23, the 42-year-old traveler was intercepted at the Lok Ma Chau control point, where approximately 18,000 untaxed cigarettes were found in her luggage. The estimated market value of the cigarettes is about HK$74,000, with a dutiable value of approximately HK$60,000. The traveler was immediately arrested.
Customs welcomed the sentencing, stating that the prison term serves as a significant deterrent and reflects the seriousness of the offense. They reminded the public that, according to the Ordinance, tobacco is classified as a dutiable commodity. Anyone who handles, possesses, sells, or purchases illicit cigarettes is committing an offense and, upon conviction, can face a maximum fine of HK$1 million and up to two years in prison.
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