Customs officers have arrested six people and seized 1.1 million illicit cigarettes worth $3 million.

The haul has a duty potential of $2.1 million.

The Customs & Excise Department launched a citywide operation targeting the storage and distribution of illicit cigarettes.

Customs officers arrested three men and two women aged between 58 and 88, and seized 100,000 illicit cigarettes in Kam Tin, Wong Tai Sin, Sheung Shui and Tai Po from July 27 to August 2.

They arrested a 27-year-old man and seized 1 million illicit cigarettes in Yuen Long today.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone possessing, selling or buying illicit cigarettes faces a fine of up to $1 million and two years’ imprisonment.

Call 2545 6182 to report suspected illicit cigarette activities.