Islamabad by EHSAN BUKHARI
Under the supervision of the Chief Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Islamabad, Pakistan Customs has successfully dismantled several networks involved in the smuggling of cigarettes and the supply of raw materials used in illegal cigarette manufacturing. The coordinated intelligence-based operations, conducted in Lahore and Hyderabad, resulted in the seizure of goods valued at over Rs1.1 billion, according to a statement issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday.
In Lahore, the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) uncovered a major organized network engaged in illicit cigarette production operating under the cover of rice mills. Acting on verified intelligence, customs officers raided Ayesha Rice Mills in Daska, where they recovered large quantities of acetate tow, cigarette paper, filter rods, aluminum foil, and adhesive materials — all essential raw materials for producing counterfeit and duty-evaded cigarettes.
Further investigations led officers to Nazeer Rice Mills, which was being used as a storage site. Evidence showed that the location had been hastily vacated during the earlier raid, and smuggled materials had been shifted to warehouses near Sundar Industrial Estate, Lahore. A follow-up raid led by Assistant Collector Arsalan Mughal and Superintendent Rashid Munir resulted in the recovery of approximately 12.5 metric tons of acetate tow and over 120 metric tons of raw materials, including packaging rolls, filters, and foils. The total value of seized goods exceeded Rs1 billion, marking one of the largest enforcement operations in Pakistan Customs’ history.
In Hyderabad, as part of the nationwide crackdown, the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) intensified its operations against duty-evaded cigarettes and illegal tobacco raw materials. Multiple raids across various areas in October led to the seizure of 386,000 cigarette packets (7.72 million sticks) of imported and counterfeit brands, valued at over Rs55 million.
Additionally, during a late-night raid on October 28–29, 2025, customs officials discovered a warehouse near Tando Allahyar, recovering 18,492 kilograms of Brazilian tobacco and 433 kilograms of acetate tow filter rods and fibers. The seized materials, worth an estimated Rs45–50 million, were intended for use in illegal cigarette factories.
Investigations are ongoing to trace the financial facilitators, suppliers, and factories involved in the illegal trade.
FBR Chairman lauded the Lahore and Hyderabad Customs teams for their successful operations, stating that these actions demonstrate the FBR’s strong resolve to eliminate the illicit tobacco supply chain. He added that, under the FBR Transformation Plan, the bureau is taking decisive steps to curb smuggling, tax evasion, and illegal cigarette manufacturing, thereby safeguarding national revenues, ensuring fair competition, and protecting public health and safety.