A joint operation by Hong Kong Customs and law enforcement agencies of the Chinese Mainland detected a seaborne illicit cigarette smuggling case involving a seizure worth about $22 million.

Hong Kong Customs and law enforcement agencies of the Chinese Mainland mounted a joint anti-smuggling operation yesterday (September 8) and detected a suspected smuggling case involving a high-powered speedboat in the northwest waters of Hong Kong.

About 5 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $22 million and a duty potential of about $16.5 million, as well as a high-powered speedboat equipped with six outboard engines, were seized.