Customs Seizes Rs. 1.1 Billion Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes in Major Raids

Pakistan Customs has carried out one of its largest anti-smuggling crackdowns with the seizure of over Rs. 1.1 billion worth of illicit cigarettes and raw materials in multi-city operations. The Enforcement wing under the Chief Collectorate, Islamabad, targeted organized networks operating across Lahore, Daska, and Hyderabad. In Lahore, Customs uncovered illegal cigarette production units disguised as rice mills in Daska. Large quantities of acetate tow, filters, foils, paper, and adhesives were confiscated. Additional raids at Sundar Industrial Estate led to the recovery of 12.5 metric tons of acetate tow and over 120 metric tons of cigarette-making inputs. Officials said the combined seizure value exceeds Rs. 1 billion, marking a record for recent enforcement drives. In Hyderabad, authorities intensified action against non-duty-paid cigarettes and smuggled tobacco. Raids resulted in the seizure of 386,100 cigarette packets and raw materials worth Rs. 54.48 million. A key interception near Tando Allahyar uncovered 18,492 kg of Brazilian-origin tobacco and 433 kg of acetate tow, valued close to Rs. 50 million. Investigations are underway to trace the financiers and manufacturing networks behind the illegal trade. FBR Chairman praised the coordinated effort by the Lahore and Hyderabad Collectorates, stating that these actions support the Transformation Plan aimed at combating smuggling, safeguarding revenue, and protecting public health.