Man in Hong Kong thought he could smuggle 1,181 duty-unpaid cigarettes in pants like that

Customs in Hong Kong stopped a man in Lok Ma Chau on May 27 and seized 1,181 duty-unpaid cigarettes from him.

This was after he tried to conceal the contraband in his calves under his pants.

A released photo of his smuggling attempt showed the extent of his failure at concealment and drew the public's attention to the case.

Details

Customs in Hong Kong intercepted the 49-year-old male passenger who arrived at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.

The cigarettes were estimated to be worth approximately HK$4,800 (S$782), with a taxable value of approximately HK$3,900 (S$635).

He did not declare the cigarettes in his possession.

The man was eventually arrested and sentenced to six weeks' jail and a HK$1,800 (S$293) fine on May 28, merely a day after the offence.

Deterrence sentence

Hong Kong media reported that the local authorities supported the sentencing, as it served as a deterrent sentence given that first-time offenders can be imprisoned.

The deterrence effect is supposed to also dissuade individuals from not declaring smaller quantities of duty-unpaid cigarettes they keep with them.

The penalties for avoiding duties on such items can go as high as HK$2 million (S$326,000) in fines and seven years' jail.