Customs seize about 430,000 suspected illicit cigarettes in Kwun Tong

The haul was valued at an estimated HK$1.94 million; officers began their search after finding cigarettes in a woman’s backpack.

By newsdesk · 13 October 2026, 18:24 HKT

Reporting: Star Headline · HK01

The Customs and Excise Department said it seized about 430,000 suspected illicit cigarettes in Kwun Tong on October 12. Their estimated market value was HK$1.94 million, with an estimated duty value of HK$1.42 million.

During an anti-illicit-cigarette operation that afternoon, officers stopped a woman on Yee On Street and found 1,200 suspected cigarettes in her backpack. After arresting her, they searched her nearby home, where they found about 430,000 suspected cigarettes.

The 63-year-old woman was charged and was due to appear at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on October 14.