The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department secured custodial sentences on Saturday (June 13) against two incoming male passengers who were found smuggling large quantities of duty-not-paid cigarettes through Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The two Chinese men were sentenced to 28 and 31 weeks of imprisonment respectively at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts, with each also ordered to pay a fine of HK$2,000.
According to Customs officials, the first interception occurred on June 11 when officers stopped a 49-year-old male passenger arriving at HKIA. A search of his personal baggage uncovered approximately 46,600 duty-not-paid cigarettes, carrying an estimated market value of around HK$233,000 with a duty potential of about HK$154,000. The passenger was immediately arrested and subsequently charged under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
On the same day, Customs officers intercepted a second incoming Chinese male passenger, aged 44, also at HKIA. In this case, authorities seized approximately 57,600 duty-not-paid cigarettes from the suspect's personal baggage. The contraband had an estimated market value of roughly HK$290,000 and a duty potential of approximately HK$190,000. The second passenger was likewise arrested and brought before the courts.
Customs welcomed the sentences handed down by the court, describing the custodial terms as carrying a "considerable deterrent effect" that reflects the seriousness of the offences. The department emphasised that such sentencing outcomes send a clear message to potential offenders that Hong Kong takes a firm stance against the illicit cigarette trade.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are classified as dutiable goods, and any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells, or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of up to HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years, underscoring the severity with which Hong Kong law treats such violations.
The cases come amid ongoing enforcement efforts by Hong Kong Customs to combat the smuggling of duty-not-paid cigarettes through the city's airports and ports. Smuggling operations frequently target Hong Kong's status as a major international travel hub, with offenders attempting to use the high volume of passenger traffic to conceal contraband shipments.
Customs reminded members of the public that under the DCO, importing dutiable goods without proper declaration is a serious criminal offence. The department urged anyone with information regarding suspected illicit cigarette activities to come forward via Customs' 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account at crimereport@customs.gov.hk, or the online reporting form available at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
Saturday's court rulings represent the latest in a series of enforcement actions by Hong Kong Customs targeting the illegal cigarette trade, as authorities continue to deploy resources at entry points to detect and disrupt smuggling attempts. The department maintains that rigorous enforcement, coupled with strong judicial penalties, remains essential to protecting government revenue and maintaining the integrity of Hong Kong's duty-control system.
Sources: [HKSAR Government]
