Hong Kong customs seized 28 million sticks of contraband cigarettes with a market value of US$12.8 million in four raids from 15 to 27 November.
The cigarettes were seized from five 40-foot containers that had been shipped into Hong Kong from mainland China, Taiwan and Thailand.
In the first raid, on 15 November, following a tip-off and risk analysis, customs inspectors examined a container that had arrived in Kwai Chung Container Terminal from Taiwan. Declared as carrying plastic panels, the container was found to have 9.3 million illicit cigarettes.
On the same day, at Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal, 1.6 million contraband cigarettes were uncovered in a container that arrived from the southern Chinese port of Nansha and was declared as carrying flower pots and lighting fixtures. Subsequent investigations resulted in the inspections of two more containers that also came from Nansha, on 22 November. Those containers were stated as carrying washbasins, but 5.5 million duty-unpaid cigarettes were found.
On 27 November, a container stated as carrying electronic parts imported from Thailand was examined in Kwai Chung. Eleven million contraband cigarettes were uncovered.
In all, seven men were also arrested in connection with the raids.
Hong Kong has seen a surge in cigarette smuggling, after the government increased tobacco taxes by HK$12 (US$1.50) in February, causing cigarette prices to climb to HK$78 (US$10) a pack.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
