ISLAMABAD: The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi, in a proactive move, has confiscated non-duty paid cigarettes valued at millions of rupees in two separate raids.
The enforcement efforts were conducted by the Inland Revenue Squad of the Enforcement Network (IREN) of RTO Rawalpindi, signaling a robust crackdown on illicit activities.
As per an official statement from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday, the Inland Revenue Squad received credible information leading to successful operations resulting in the confiscation of a substantial quantity of non-duty paid cigarettes.
In the first operation, the IREN Squad intercepted a truck traveling on GT Road in Sohawa District, Jhelum. The vehicle was found to be carrying 70 cartons, equivalent to 700,000 sticks, of a local brand of cigarettes. The intercepted illegal stock, with an estimated tax evasion of around Rs 1.9 million, was confiscated. As no documents or invoices were produced to establish that the cigarettes were duty-paid, the seized stock was transferred to a warehouse in Jhelum.
In a separate incident, the IREN Squad confiscated 6 cartons, totaling 60,000 sticks, of non-duty paid cigarettes from a local dealer located in Dina Market. The seized stock, comprising various local brands, was subsequently transferred to the FBR warehouse in Jhelum District.
The rigorous enforcement actions underscore the government’s commitment to curbing tax evasion and preventing the circulation of non-duty paid goods in the market. These efforts align with broader initiatives aimed at ensuring compliance with tax regulations and protecting lawful businesses from unfair competition.
The Federal Board of Revenue has emphasized that further investigations are underway in both cases to ascertain the full extent of the illicit activities and potentially uncover any larger networks involved in tax evasion and the distribution of non-duty paid goods.
These recent operations reflect the dedication of tax authorities to maintaining the integrity of the tax system, preserving government revenue, and fostering a fair and transparent business environment. The FBR continues to encourage citizens to report any suspicious activities or information related to tax evasion, contributing to the collective effort to uphold fiscal responsibility and economic integrity.
