The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken action against an illegal cigarette manufacturing unit in Karachi, sealing the facility and confiscating machinery, raw materials and finished cigarettes worth millions of rupees.

The raid was carried out by the Inland Revenue Enforcement Squad of RTO-II Karachi after officials received confidential information about the facility.

During the operation, FBR officials shut down the factory and dismantled the equipment being used to produce cigarettes. The machinery was taken into government custody, while stocks of raw materials and manufactured cigarettes were also seized and moved to RTO-II premises.

Authorities have registered an FIR before the Court of the Special Judge (Customs & Taxation), Karachi, and launched a criminal investigation against those allegedly operating the facility.

Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Baqir Ali led the operation. Commissioner Inland Revenue Dr. Aslam Marri coordinated the raid, while Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Zafar Rafiq Siddiqui supervised the action.

The FBR said the operation forms part of the government’s wider campaign against illicit cigarette production, tax evasion and the illegal tobacco trade.

Further legal action against those involved is underway.