The Macau Customs Service announced in a statement on Saturday that its officers seized 307 kg of cigars worth 4.54 million patacas at the Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal on Tuesday.
According to the statement, on that day, customs officers inspected a batch of imported cigars at the terminal and discovered that the actual quantity of the goods far exceeded the amount declared in the accompanying documents, suggesting an attempt to illegally import the cigars into Macau through underreporting.
The statement said that a total of 307 kg of cigars were seized at the scene, with an estimated market value of around 4.54 million patacas, adding that the tax payable on the goods amounts to 1.33 million patacas.
According to the statement, the customs officers identified the consignee of the goods as a Macau-based company.
The company’s actions violated the provisions of the External Trade Law, the statement said, adding that the authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the person responsible for the company.
If the violations are confirmed, the individual faces a fine of 100,000 patacas.
Zhuhai Gongbei Customs seizes cigars, silver granules
Meanwhile, Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs announced in two statements yesterday that its officers seized 7.62 kg of silver granules and 611 cigars at Hengqin border checkpoint on April 10 and 14, respectively.
On April 10, customs officers at the checkpoint noticed a male traveller entering the “green channel” with an unusual gait and immediately intercepted him. Upon inspection, the officers discovered six packets of silver granules wrapped in plastic bags strapped to his calves, weighing a total of 7.62 kg.
According to chatbot Gemini, based on the current market spot price for fine silver, 7.62 kg of silver was valued at around 160,119 patacas.
Last Tuesday, customs officers at the checkpoint noticed an anomaly in the X-ray image of a cross-border vehicle. Upon inspection, they discovered 611 cigars worth 150,000 yuan (177,360 patacas) concealed inside a hidden compartment beneath the vehicle’s centre console.
In the statement, Gongbei Customs reminded the public that concealing goods to evade duties constitutes smuggling. Under mainland regulations, individuals found guilty of such acts face strict penalties, and serious cases will result in criminal prosecution.
This undated handout photo provided by the Macau Customs Service on Saturday shows cigars seized by its officers at the Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal.
This undated handout photo provided by Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs yesterday shows six packs of silver granules strapped to the smuggler’s calves.
