June 05, 2023 (MLN): Pakistan Customs has launched a crackdown against smuggled cigarettes throughout the country, the value of cigarettes seized so far is estimated at Rs33.6 million, according to latest reports.
Customs with the Ganjamndi police in Rawalpindi seized a large cache of smuggled cigarettes worth Rs8m on Sunday.
The government has recently increased Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes, which has resulted in a major hike in cigarette taxes as well as prices.
Consequently, various new brands have entered the tobacco industry in a short time span.
The industry comprises price-conscious consumers who are looking for cheaper alternatives.
This has led to a major rise in demand for cheaper smuggled cigarettes.
Godowns & stores at multiple locations in different cities have been raided, and large quantities have been seized over the past couple of days.
Over the last week, Customs teams in different cities have identified godowns used to store smuggled cigarettes for distribution to shops for sale.
Several raids have been carried out over the past two days & more operations would be conducted in the next few days.
Recovery of huge quantities of Foreign Brands like Benson & Hedges, Dunhill, Pine, Mond, Esse, captain black cigarillos, Milano, and others has been made.
