Customs and Excise Department

The Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong is responsible for enforcing laws related to customs, excise duties, and trade controls. Recent news highlights their active role in combating various forms of smuggling. They are newsworthy due to a series of recent seizures, including illicit cigarettes (HK$92 million), illegal fuel (over 8,000 litres), gold and silver (HK$230 million), smuggled medicines (HK$140 million), dried shark fins (HK$280,000), and slimming injections (14,080 units). These seizures often involve joint operations with other agencies like the marine police, mainland Chinese authorities, and the Fire Services Department. The department's actions are particularly relevant due to the potential loss of tax revenue from illicit goods, the environmental impact of smuggling protected species, and the public health risks associated with illegal medicines and fuel. The spike in oil prices due to Middle East conflicts has also increased the relevance of their efforts to combat illegal fuel stations.