According to a report from info.gov on April 15, the Hong Kong Customs initiated a large-scale anti-smuggling tobacco operation named "Storm" on February 19. During the operation, the Customs not only intercepted shipments at the source, closed storage and distribution centers, but also cracked down on sales activities downstream.
On April 15, Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation in the Sham Shui Po district and seized three cases of cigarette smuggling. Customs officials intercepted three suspicious men in Sham Shui Po and found 200 to 800 suspicious illegal cigarettes on them, claiming they were for personal use. Currently, the three arrested men are charged with "possessing goods applicable to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.
As of today, Hong Kong Customs has detected a total of 179 smuggling cases, seizing approximately 150,000 suspected smuggled tobacco products with an estimated market value of 610,000 Hong Kong dollars and potential tax revenue of 430,000 Hong Kong dollars. A total of 179 individuals have been arrested, including 160 men and 19 women, ranging in age from 17 to 86 years old. Most of the individuals are illegal cigarette buyers, with an increasing number of young people becoming involved. Additionally, Customs found that over half of the cases occurred in Sham Shui Po, Kwun Tong, Tuen Mun, and Tsuen Wan districts, with the quantity of seized smuggled cigarettes ranging from 100 to over 6,000, most of which were intended for personal use.
Customs authorities emphasize that buying and selling illegal cigarettes is a criminal offense. In a 2023 smuggling tobacco case, the court sentenced individuals who purchased illegal cigarettes for personal use to a maximum of four months in prison. According to the Customs and Excise Ordinance, any activities involving trafficking, possession, sale, or purchase of illegal cigarettes are considered criminal offenses. Convicted individuals can face fines of up to HK$1 million and up to two years in prison.
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