 |
| The Filipina refused to cooperate with FEHD agents, say police |
Hong Kong Police have confirmed the arrest of a
Filipina in Statue Square on Sunday, and said she is being investigated for
three more possible offences.
According to a police spokesperson, the 55-year-old woman
could be charged with selling duty-not-paid cigarettes, possession of Part 1
poison (believed to be vape oil), obstruction and breach of condition of stay.
Though the police spokesperson could not confirm if the woman is a domestic worker, the breach of condition charge suggests this to be the case.
 |
| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
Police records show that at around 12:30pm yesterday
the Food and Environmental Health Department received a report about the woman
selling what appeared to be illicit goods.
FEHD agents approached her near Exit K of the
Central MTR station but she allegedly “refused to cooperate” with them so they
called the police. This could explain why there was a swarm of officers in the
area after this.
The spokesperson said an analysis of the cigarettes
and suspected vape oil was necessary to see if charges would be laid over them.
Hong
Kong law prohibits the handling, possession, sale or purchase of cigarettes for
which tax was not paid. Violators could face up to HK$2 million in fine and
imprisonment for up to 10 years.
 |
| Basahin ang detalye! |
Currently, tobacco duty amounts to HK$3.306 per stick, raised from 80 cents in 2024. This hike brings the tax to around 70% of the retail price, but still slightly the price recommended by the World Health Organization.
Under Hong Kong law, handling, possessing, selling or purchasing illicit cigarettes is a serious offence. Violators face a maximum fine of up to HK$2 million and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Also strictly prohibited by Hong Kong law is the importing, manufacturing, selling of possessing alternative smoking products like vape.
Mere possession of the ASPs in public place could lead to one being fined up to $50,000 and jailed for up to six months. Importing could incur a far more severe penalty of a fine of up to $2 million and 7 years’ imprisonment.
Obstruction in a public place is another serious offence, with penalties of up to HK$5,000 in fine and 3 months’ imprisonment. The fixed penalty for street obstruction was raised to HK$$6,000 in October 2023.
Breaching conditions of stay in Hong Kong, such as overstaying or working without authorization is another serious crime. Convictions can result in a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and up to 2 years' imprisonment.
The jail time goes up to three years in cases of illegal immigrants, overstayers and non-refoulement claimants who are found to have worked without permission.
