A 41-year-old man has been jailed for six months for carrying 41,400 undeclared cigarettes with an estimated market value of HK$186,000 (US$23,940) into Hong Kong.
A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said on Sunday the passenger was intercepted by its officers at the airport on Friday.
A search of his baggage uncovered about 41,400 tax-evaded cigarettes, with an estimated market value of HK$186,000 and a duty potential of HK$136,000, he said.
The man was arrested and sentenced at Kowloon City Court on Saturday.
The department said it welcomed the sentence, saying custodial punishment served as a significant deterrent and highlighted the gravity of such offences.
It reminded the public tobacco products fell under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.
