On March 11, Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign in collaboration with the Yuen Long District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Police, the Housing Department (HD), and Community Care Teams in Tin Tsz Estate and Tin Yiu Estate, located in Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long.
During the event, Customs officers patrolled housing estates and set up a promotional booth to distribute leaflets. They explained anti-illicit cigarette messages to residents and encouraged them to report any suspected illicit cigarette trading activities.
Customs officials reminded young people, particularly students, to avoid buying or selling illicit cigarettes or distributing related promotional materials, as involvement could lead to a criminal record that may impact their future.
In addition, Customs plans to enhance enforcement efforts to combat illicit cigarette activities through risk assessment, intelligence analysis, and interception at the source. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in such crimes, Customs will inform the Housing Department for follow-up actions after court proceedings.
Customs emphasized that purchasing or selling illicit cigarettes is an offence under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, with a maximum penalty of a fine of HK$1 million and up to two years of imprisonment. The public is encouraged to report suspected illicit cigarette activities via Customs' 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, their dedicated crime-reporting email (crimereport@customs.gov.hk), or through an online form.
Furthermore, under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), distributing advertisements for smoking products, including promotional leaflets, is prohibited. Violators may face a maximum fine of HK$50,000. Reports of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution can be made to TACO's hotline at 2961 8823.
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