In a significant operation conducted by the Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I), approximately 1.78 million illicit cigarette sticks, worth an estimated Rs79 million, were confiscated in a single day during an intensive anti-smuggling campaign.
Under the directives of Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Asim Ahmad, and Director General of Customs Intelligence, Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, efforts to combat cigarette smuggling have been amplified.
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Over the course of the past twenty-four hours, multiple raids were carried out targeting smugglers. In the early hours of June 7, 2023, Customs Intelligence Karachi seized 250,000 foreign brand cigarette sticks valued at Rs10 million.
Another successful raid in the Saddar area of Karachi resulted in the confiscation of 400,000 cigarette sticks of foreign brands, with an estimated worth of Rs25 million. Additionally, 4,000 sticks valued at Rs4 million were recovered in Multan, while Dera Ismail Khan yielded 1,050,000 cigarette sticks valued at Rs30 million.
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Overall, within the last 24 hours, Customs Intelligence has seized a total of 1,780,000 foreign brand cigarette sticks, including popular brands such as Pine Mini, Dunhill, Benson & Hedges, Inhale, Speed Blue, and Royal Business, amounting to a total value of Rs79 million.
The eradication of cigarette smuggling has consistently remained a top priority for Customs Intelligence. Despite operating with limited resources, Customs Intelligence has managed to confiscate an impressive 39,187,000 cigarette sticks, valued at approximately Rs1.093 billion, during the ongoing 2022-23 fiscal year.
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Chairman FBR Asim Ahmad and Director General of Customs Intelligence Mr. Faiz Ahmad Chadhar have expressed their appreciation for the successful raids conducted in Karachi, Dera Ismail Khan, Peshawar, and Multan. They remain optimistic that Customs Intelligence will continue its resolute crackdown on smuggling in general, with a particular focus on combating the illicit trade of cigarettes.
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