The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sealed an illegal cigarette manufacturing facility in Karachi and seized machinery, raw materials and finished cigarettes worth millions of rupees.
The operation was carried out by the Inland Revenue Enforcement Squad (IREN) of the Regional Tax Office-II (RTO-II) Karachi.
Officials acted on confidential information about the suspected illegal cigarette production facility.
Cigarette Machinery and Stock Seized
During the operation, FBR officials dismantled the cigarette manufacturing machinery installed at the facility.
The machinery was taken into government custody and shifted to RTO-II Karachi.
Officials also seized large quantities of raw materials and finished cigarette products found at the premises.
The action is part of the FBR’s efforts to curb illegal cigarette manufacturing and prevent tax evasion in the tobacco sector.
Criminal Case Registered Against Suspects
An FIR has been registered before the Court of the Special Judge (Customs & Taxation), Karachi.
The authorities have also launched a criminal investigation into the individuals allegedly involved in operating the illegal factory.
Further legal proceedings will be initiated based on the findings of the investigation.
The FBR said action would continue against businesses involved in unlawful manufacturing and activities that cause revenue losses to the national exchequer.
FBR Officials Lead Enforcement Operation
The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Baqir Ali and coordinated by Commissioner Inland Revenue Dr Aslam Marri.
Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Zafar Rafiq Siddiqui supervised the operation.
The seized machinery, raw materials and finished cigarettes will remain in government custody as the legal and investigative process continues.
Authorities are expected to examine the seized material and records to determine the scale of the alleged illegal operation and any tax violations involved.
