According to data from Hong Kong Customs cited by the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong authorities have seized illegal cigarettes worth HK$1.23 billion ($157 million) so far this year, marking the largest contraband seizure in 20 years.
Image source: Kal'vān
As of September 22nd this year, customs officials seized about 440 million tax-free cigarettes, significantly higher than the 427 million cigarettes discovered throughout the entirety of 2021. The value of these cigarettes is estimated to be 1.19 billion Hong Kong dollars.
According to sources from law enforcement agencies, if imported legally, this year's banned goods will generate HKD 839 million in tax revenue.
According to sources, the increase in the seizure of prohibited items is attributed to the recovery of seafood logistics after the pandemic interruption, as well as the potential price hike of tobacco products in Europe.
Sources have informed the South China Morning Post that Syndicate X has begun stockpiling illegal cigarettes in the city and is attempting to find buyers in Hong Kong and abroad as shipping logistics resume in May.
He stated that some gangs have stockpiled large quantities of illegal cigarettes in the city, as they anticipate that prices for European tobacco products may increase due to high inflation.
In the latest operation on September 19th, authorities found 21.6 million duty-free cigarettes worth HKD 59 million in two shipping containers in Tsing Yi and Yuen Long. This year's seizure amounts to 440 million cigarettes.
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