FBR Raids Illegal Cigarette Factory, Seizes Machinery in Karachi

KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue has sealed an illegal cigarette manufacturing facility in Karachi and seized machinery, raw materials and finished cigarettes worth millions of rupees as part of a wider crackdown on illicit tobacco production and tax evasion.

According to an official statement, officers of the Inland Revenue Enforcement Squad of Regional Tax Office-II Karachi raided the facility after receiving confidential information about alleged illegal cigarette manufacturing.

During the operation, authorities sealed the factory, dismantled cigarette-making machinery and took it into government custody. Large quantities of raw materials and finished cigarette stock were also confiscated and shifted to RTO-II Karachi premises.

Criminal Case Registered

FBR said legal proceedings have been initiated against those allegedly involved in the operation, while an FIR has been registered before the Court of the Special Judge Customs and Taxation in Karachi.

Criminal investigations have also formally begun, with further proceedings to be carried out under the law.

RTO-II Karachi Leads Operation

The raid was led by Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Baqir Ali.

The operation was coordinated by Dr Aslam Marri, Commissioner Inland Revenue RTO-II Karachi and Regional Coordinator IREN Sindh and Balochistan, while Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Zafar Rafiq Siddiqui supervised the action.

FBR said the raid forms part of a nationwide campaign against illicit cigarette manufacturing and trade being carried out on the directions of the prime minister and the FBR chairman.

The broader enforcement drive is aimed at curbing illegal tobacco production, tax evasion and the sale of untaxed cigarettes.

Also Read: Big Setback to Illegal Cigarettes Manufacturing Network in AJK