DH conducts operation to crack down on illegal online sales of alternative smoking products
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (July 21) that it conducted an enforcement operation codenamed “Thunderstone” yesterday (July 20), to crack down on the illegal online sales of alternative smoking products (ASPs). A man was stopped for investigation and 800 suspected ASPs were seized.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Photo source: reference image
Through routine online and offline inspections, TACO officers discovered illegal online sales of ASPs and conducted an operation yesterday. A 20-year-old man was stopped for investigation on suspicion of illegally selling and possessing ASPs for commercial purposes. A total of 800 suspected ASPs were seized. TACO is following up on the case and charges will be laid against the suspect when sufficient evidence is found.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports ASPs, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years, or is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) prohibits the promotion, manufacture, sale and possession for commercial purposes of ASPs. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. From April 30,2026, any person who possesses specified ASPs, including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes in public places is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the quantity possessed exceeds the specified limit or involves commercial purposes, the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The DH reminds the public that promoting and selling ASPs through any channel, including the Internet, also carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law. The public is also reminded that purchasing ASPs online may involve their importation and may constitute a breach of the law.
The DH also reminds members of the public that ASPs are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health announced today (July 21) that it conducted an enforcement operation codenamed “Thunderstone” yesterday (July 20), to crack down on the illegal online sales of alternative smoking products (ASPs). A man was stopped for investigation and 800 suspected ASPs were seized. Photo shows the suspected ASPs seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs on July 13 seized 33 live turtles of a scheduled endangered species with an estimated market value of about $330,000 at the Air Mail Centre in Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs that day examined three inbound parcels declared as containing cushions filled with polyester at the Air Mail Centre. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of live turtles of a scheduled endangered species wrapped in plastic and concealed in socks inside the postal packets.
Customs officers subsequently conducted controlled delivery operations and arrested three postal packet recipients including a 37-year-old Mainland male, a 47-year-old local female and a 29-year-old local male. The arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions against all kinds of smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
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 $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of an endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction, with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
