Customs announced Monday that officers intercepted a suspicious barge in the waters off Tsing Yi on the evening of April 12. Upon inspection, about 20 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about HK$74 million and a duty potential of about HK$50 million were seized inside two 40-foot containers on board the barge.

During the operation, Customs officers arrested three men, aged between 24 and 54, suspected to be connected with the case.

An investigation is ongoing, said a customs spokesman, adding that the department will continue to trace the source and the flow of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

The spokesman reminded members of the public that smuggling is a serious offence.

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.

The spokesman also reminded that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$1 million and imprisonment for two years.