Tag: smuggled cigarettes

  • Major seizure: RTO Rawalpindi destroys 25 million smuggled cigarettes

    Major seizure: RTO Rawalpindi destroys 25 million smuggled cigarettes

    The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi carried out a significant operation on Thursday to destroy a large quantity of illicit, smuggled, counterfeit, and non-duty-paid cigarettes. The estimated value of the destroyed products was approximately Rs194 million.

    The event, held at Chakbeli Road in Rawalpindi, involved the destruction of 2,585 packrites, which equates to 25,580,000 cigarette sticks.

    Chief Commissioner of RTO Rawalpindi, Tehmina Aamer, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

    The event was attended by several key stakeholders, including members of the World Health Organization (WHO) and officers from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

    During the ceremony, the participants were briefed on the entire process, from the initial confiscation of illicit tobacco and tobacco products to their eventual destruction, in accordance with the law.

    Following the briefing, the distinguished guests collectively set fire to the seized cigarettes, effectively destroying them.

    This operation underscores the RTO Rawalpindi’s commitment to combatting the illegal trade of tobacco products and ensuring compliance with national and international regulations.

    The destruction of these illicit cigarettes also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect public health and maintain the integrity of the country’s tax and revenue system.

  • Authorities confiscate smuggled cigarettes worth Rs14 crore

    Authorities confiscate smuggled cigarettes worth Rs14 crore

    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.