In a substantial crackdown on the illicit trade of non-duty-paid cigarettes, the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) successfully seized over 679,000 packerites (15,580,000 sticks) of smuggled cigarettes during a two-day operation.
The confiscated cigarettes, representing various local and foreign brands, including Business Royal, H&P, Platinum, Milano, and Olympic, have an estimated value exceeding PKR 140 Million.
The enforcement teams targeted local shops in Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot, where the availability of non-duty paid cigarettes had seen a concerning surge.
This operation was initiated under the directive of Mir Badshah Khan Wazir, Member (IR-Operations), who emphasized the need to curb the illegal trade of tobacco products.
Criminal proceedings have been set in motion against both manufacturers and transporters involved in this illicit trade.
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in the popularity of smuggled cigarettes is the substantial price difference compared to duty-paid alternatives.
While the cost of a pack of 20 duty-paid cigarettes starts at Rs600, the non-duty paid counterparts can be obtained for as low as Rs200. Some reports even suggest that certain brands are being sold at an even more economical rate.
The increasing prevalence of non-duty paid cigarettes poses a serious concern, not only in terms of lost revenue for the government but also due to health implications.
Smokers in Pakistan, attracted by the affordability of these illicit products, have contributed to the surge in sales of non-duty paid cigarettes.
The IREN’s recent operation sends a clear message that the authorities are actively addressing this issue to safeguard public health and financial interests.
As investigations unfold, it remains to be seen how this crackdown will impact the illicit trade of cigarettes and discourage individuals from opting for non-duty paid alternatives.
