Customs officers arrested a truck driver at Lok Ma Chau control point today after finding suspected illicit cigarettes worth $6.8 million hidden in his vehicle.

The incoming container truck was declared to be carrying 192 boxes of plastic parts and appliances, but an X-ray examination and inspection revealed 194 boxes containing 2.5 million cigarettes with a duty potential of $4.8 million.

The cigarettes were mix-loaded with other goods and concealed in the rear part of the container compartment.

Officers have impounded the truck.

The maximum penalty for smuggling is a $2 million fine and seven years in prison.