Woman jailed after repeat illicit cigarette smuggling attempts
Thestandard · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A 49-year-old local woman was sentenced at Fanling Magistrates' Courts on September 8 to 14 weeks' imprisonment and a HK$2,000 fine after two separate cases involving duty-not-paid cigarettes were dealt with together. Customs first intercepted her at Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point on June 11, when 1,181 illicit cigarettes were found hidden in a baby stroller she was carrying. After being arrested and released on bail, she was stopped again on August 22 at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point, where officers found another 2,941 duty-not-paid cigarettes on her and in her personal baggage. The two interceptions led to a total seizure of 4,122 cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about HK$20,000 and duty potential of about HK$13,600.
Key Points
- The woman, described as a 49-year-old local resident, was sentenced at Fanling Magistrates' Courts on September 8 to 14 weeks in jail and fined HK$2,000.
- In the first case on June 11, Customs officers at Heung Yuen Wai found 1,181 duty-not-paid cigarettes concealed inside her baby stroller.
- She was arrested after the first interception and later released on bail pending inquiries before the second incident occurred.
- On August 22, she entered via Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, where Customs found 2,941 illicit cigarettes on her person and in baggage.
- Customs said trafficking in illicit cigarettes is illegal under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance and carries a maximum penalty of HK$2 million and seven years' imprisonment.
Why It Matters
The case shows that repeat cross-boundary smuggling can lead to immediate custodial sentences, especially when an offender is caught again while on bail. For Hong Kong readers, it is also a reminder that possessing, carrying, buying or selling illicit cigarettes is a serious offence under local law, not a minor customs breach.