Islamabad, December 12, 2025 – In a significant enforcement action against the illicit tobacco trade, the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Abbottabad has dismantled a fully operational illegal cigarette manufacturing facility, seizing high-capacity MK-8 cigarette-making machines, packing units, stamping and bundle-making equipment, along with substantial quantities of raw tobacco, packaging materials, and non-duty-paid cigarettes.
The facility was discovered operating inside the hujra of a politically influential individual. All seized machinery and illicit products have been confiscated, and legal proceedings are underway under the Federal Excise Act, 2005.
This crackdown comes a day after RTO Abbottabad intercepted 3,000 bales of raw tobacco in a separate intelligence-driven operation, reflecting a coordinated and intensified effort against illegal tobacco manufacturing and smuggling in the region.
During the raid, enforcement teams also recovered packaging materials linked to Falcon Tobacco, which is currently under investigation by RTO Peshawar, suggesting a connection between multiple illicit operations and a broader distribution network.
The MK-8 machines, known for high-speed cigarette production, were found fully functional alongside auxiliary systems for packing, stamping, and bundle preparation. Large stocks of tow, filters, cigarette paper, and branded packaging materials underscore the scale and sophistication of the operation.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) emphasized that such decisive actions are part of its ongoing strategy to curb the illicit tobacco trade, protect government revenue, and ensure strict compliance across the tobacco sector. FBR officials warned that similar operations will continue nationwide to dismantle illegal production networks and prevent tax evasion.
The successful raid highlights the growing focus of regulatory authorities on combating illegal tobacco manufacturing and reinforces the commitment to uphold legal and economic integrity in the sector.