Ninety-eight people have been arrested and about 1.35 million illicit cigarettes worth $1.9 million seized by Customs officers in a four-day operation.

Two vehicles were also seized in the operation which started Tuesday, and those arrested by the Customs & Excise Department were aged 14 to 80.

Seventy-one were suspected sellers, 12 were suspected buyers and 15 were incoming travellers suspected to have smuggled dutiable cigarettes into Hong Kong.

David Fong of the Anti-Illicit-Cigarette Task Force reminded the public that it is an offence to sell or buy illicit cigarettes.

Those convicted, will be liable to a maximum fine of $1 million and two years imprisonment.

He also called on people to report suspected illicit cigarette activities and call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.