Hong Kong customs officers seize HK$190 million worth of black market cigarettes in second-largest smuggling bust
- Haul of 69 million cigarettes found hidden in seven cargo containers on board barge berthed in Yau Ma Tei
- Customs officers arrested 49 people for being involved in storage, distribution and peddling of contraband cigarettes during two-week operation
Officers arrested a woman and confiscated HK$190 million (US$24.2 million) worth of black market cigarettes in the second-largest smuggling bust of the contraband in two decades, Hong Kong customs said on Thursday.
The haul of 69 million cigarettes, hidden in seven cargo containers, was discovered on board a barge berthed at the Yau Ma Tei cargo handling area on Wednesday last week.
One of the containers was packed with two British brands of cigarettes, L&B and Benson & Hedges, with a UK health warning, while another container was filled with the Japanese-made Seven Stars.
Acting Assistant Superintendent Leung Chun-man of customs’ revenue crimes investigation bureau on Thursday said the two containers of illicit cigarettes were destined for Britain and Japan.
He said part of the haul was to replenish the stock in the city and the rest was waiting for delivery instructions while illegal tobacco traders were trying to find buyers in Hong Kong and abroad.
