Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photos)

​Two incoming male passengers were each sentenced to 11 months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (August 24) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO). Customs officers intercepted the two incoming Mainland male passengers, aged 34 and 37, at Hong Kong International Airport on August 21, and seized a total of 200 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $900,000 and a duty potential of about $660,000 from their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested. Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Cus