In a routine anti-smuggling operation, Customs officers of Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday (December 13) seized from an incoming lorry 1.44 million sticks of cigarettes which worth about $2.3 million and carried a duty potential of $1.16 million.
At about 6pm yesterday, Customs Officers intercepted an incoming lorry, which was declared to be carrying plastic packing bags. They found from the cartons carried by the lorry 1.44 million sticks of cigarettes.
The 37-year-old male driver was arrested.
Any person found guilty of importing unmanifested cargo under the Import and Export Ordinance is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and an imprisonment for two years; or on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and seven years' imprisonment.
Ends/Wednesday, December 14, 2005