About 1.92 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of HK$8.6 million and a potential duty value of HK$6.37 million, were seized from a lorry after those involved fled by speedboat from waters near Sai Kung and Mirs Bay.
Police and customs officers mounted a joint anti-smuggling operation in the area on the night of September 5. Near the Sai Kung shoreline, officers found two speedboats with no navigation lights, while several men were moving goods to a lorry on shore.
The men boarded the speedboats after officers took action. The boats travelled at high speed towards waters east of Hong Kong and in the direction of the mainland, eventually leaving Hong Kong waters.
Officers seized the suspected illicit cigarettes from the lorry and detained the vehicle. The relevant departments are continuing their investigation.