Photo shows the suspected illicit cigarettes worth HK$6.32 million that were seized in Stanley and the lorry suspected to be involved in the case on Aug 12, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Customs seized on Saturday about 1.7 million suspected illicit cigarettes in Stanley with an estimated market value of about HK$6.32 million ($808,000) and a duty potential of about HK$4.3 million.

Customs officers also arrested five men, aged between 17 and 56, during the anti-smuggling operation at St Stephen's Beach (South) Pier, according to a Customs statement.

When customs officers stepped forward to intercept, several men suspected of being involved in the case immediately jumped into the sea and fled

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The officers conducted the operation on Saturday morning and found several suspicious men moving a large number of carton boxes from a ship to a lorry on the seashore.

When customs officers stepped forward to intercept, several men suspected of being involved in the case immediately jumped into the sea and fled.

Customs officers eventually subdued and arrested five men and seized the suspected illicit cigarettes inside the lorry near the pier.

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An investigation is ongoing. Customs will continue to trace the source and the flow of the illicit cigarettes and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out, according to the statement.

Photo shows the 1.7 million suspected illicit cigarettes seized by Customs officers in Stanley on Aug 12, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

It added that smuggling is a serious offense. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years.