Police said officers seized about 1.86 million suspected illicit cigarettes during an anti-smuggling operation near Tin Wan Praya Road in the early hours of September 28. The cigarettes had an estimated market value of HK$8.4 million and a dutiable value of about HK$6.15 million.
During the operation in waters southwest of Hong Kong, officers saw two speedboats with their navigation lights off while several men moved cargo from the boats to a lorry near the waterfront. When officers took action, the men boarded the speedboats and fled. After a pursuit, both boats escaped Hong Kong’s southern waters towards the mainland, police said. A lorry suspected of being involved was detained.
The operation followed an investigation and intelligence analysis into suspected smuggling activity and involved Marine Police and Customs officers. Offences involving untaxed tobacco can carry a maximum fine of HK$2 million and seven years’ imprisonment under Hong Kong law, according to HK01.
Customs officers were continuing their investigation into the seizure.