$168m in illicit cigarettes seized

February 22, 2012

Seventy-one million illicit cigarettes worth $168 million were seized last year, compared to 47 million in 2010, which were worth $90 million.
 
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Prof KC Chan told legislators today customs officers arrested 268 buyers and 505 sellers of illicit cigarettes last year, compared to 367 and 473 the year before.
 
He said 23,100 incoming passengers had declared dutiable cigarettes in excess of 19 cigarettes to customs officers, and paid the required duty, since August 1, 2010.
 
During the same period, 10 passengers were fined for bringing in one extra cigarette without making a declaration.