The Customs & Excise Department today alerted consumers to potential hazards posed by several types of dining tables.

Customs officers recently conducted spot checks on furniture retailers and sent samples of various models of dining tables to an accredited laboratory to test their strength, durability and safety as domestic tables in accordance with the British Standard.

Three types of extendable wooden dining tables and a glass-top dining table failed the stability tests.

During the tests, the wooden tables' tops extended and the tops of the glass table overturned, posing an injury hazard to users, particularly children.

The department has seized six dining tables, and prohibited their supply on the market.

Customs officers have arrested a 36-year-old man after they found 1.8 million illicit cigarettes worth $4.5 million, and with duty potential of $3.1 million, in his lorry at Lok Ma Chau.

At about 7am today, officers stopped his incoming lorry at Lok Ma Chau Control Point, which was declared to be carrying 451 boxes of toys and plastic products.

They found the cigarettes in 150 carton boxes, mixed with other goods and concealed in the rear of the lorry's cargo compartment.

The Immigration Department today arrested three male and two female Mainland visitors, aged 36 to 64, in a crackdown on illegal employment.

Officers raided blackspots for parallel goods trading in Sheung Shui, and the five visitors were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay, by being involved in parallel goods trading in Choi Shun Street.

They have been detained for questioning.

Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Immigration Department.

Secretary for Security TK Lai has reiterated that Police handle public meetings and processions in a fair, just and impartial manner in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.

Speaking at the Legislative Council today, Mr Lai said there has been a significant increase in the number of cases involving disturbance of public order and related unlawful acts in recent years. He said Police, in considering the possible repercussions and severity of the situation at the scene, need to take decisive actions in such cases.

He said a total of 444 protesters were arrested last year, out of which 397 were for unlawful assembly, obstructing district trunk routes or other unlawful acts during three public order events. On the advice of the Department of Justice, 54 were prosecuted.

According to Police internal guidelines, the department's prior advice will be sought if Police intend to press charges against anyone arrested in public order events. They will also seek the department's advice as to which provisions will be invoked when pressing charges.

According to information provided by the department, decisions of prosecution, by means of the Public Order Ordinance or the Offences Against the Person Ordinance, are all based on the established and open principles in its Statement of Prosecution Policy & Practice, and are free from political, media or public pressure.

In considering whether charges should be pressed in accordance with the Public Order Ordinance, the department will take into account the same factors as when handling other criminal prosecution cases, such as whether there is sufficient evidence; whether there is a reasonable prospect of conviction; and, in cases where there is sufficient evidence, whether the public interest requires a prosecution to be pursued.

Mr Lai said Police will continue to communicate with and secure the support of event organisers, and take lawful measures to ensure order and safety during public order events.

The Immigration Department estimates 8.65 million passengers will pass through land, sea and air checkpoints during the Christmas-New Year holiday period, up 11% on last year.

For inbound traffic, the busiest day will be December 26 when 391,000 passengers will arrive. Outbound traffic will be heavy on December 22 with 384,000 people leaving Hong Kong.

About 3.06 million passengers, a daily average of 306,000, are expected to pass through Lo Wu control point from December 21 to 26 and December 30 to January 2.

Passenger traffic at the Lok Ma Chau, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, and Shenzhen Bay control points will also be heavy, with a daily average of 90,000, 137,000 and 94,000 forecast.

Passengers are advised to plan their trips in advance and avoid making their journeys during busy periods. Hong Kong residents needing assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong can call the department’s hotline (852) 1868.