Hong Kong customs smuggling and counterfeit seizures

Hong Kong Customs conducted several major operations targeting the smuggling of contraband and counterfeit goods. In a joint operation with mainland Chinese authorities, officers intercepted a high-speed boat northwest of Hong Kong, resulting in the seizure of approximately 5 million illicit cigarettes valued at roughly 22 million HKD and the arrest of two mainland Chinese men.

Separate investigations dismantled a smuggling network involving multiple storage sites in Kwai Chung and Au Tau. Authorities seized untaxed cigarettes, tobacco, and alternative smoking products with a total market value of approximately 102 million HKD. Smugglers reportedly used tactics such as disguising tobacco as pet food and using silent tape for secondary packaging to evade detection.

Additionally, under Operation ‘Swift Net’, Customs seized approximately 14,000 suspected counterfeit items, including watches, mobile accessories, and apparel, with an estimated market value of 3.9 million HKD. This operation targeted the use of express delivery services for the cross-border transit of infringing goods.