22nd September 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong Customs and Marine Police collaborated in a joint operation in Sai Kung, resulting in the seizure of approximately 2.2 million suspected illicit cigarettes. With an estimated market value of about $8.2 million and a potential duty of approximately $5.6 million, the operation marks a significant blow against smuggling activities.
Yesterday morning, law enforcement officers from Customs and Police conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation at a pier in Tsam Chuk Wan, Sai Kung. Their attention was drawn to several individuals engaged in suspicious activities, transferring a large number of cartons from two speedboats to a waiting lorry on the shore. The officers suspected the involvement of these individuals in smuggling operations.
Acting swiftly, the law enforcement officers sprang into action. However, upon realizing they were under scrutiny, the suspects quickly boarded one of the speedboats and made a hasty escape at high speed. Nevertheless, the diligent officers managed to seize the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes at the shore. They also apprehended the lorry and speedboat believed to be connected to the case, further advancing the investigation.