RTO Rawalpindi Destroys Counterfeit and Non-Duty Paid Cigarettes Worth Rs. 180 Million
In a significant crackdown on the illegal cigarette trade and to strengthen tax compliance, the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi, under the supervision of Chief Commissioner Tehmina Aamer and on the directives of Chief Coordinator IREN Aqeel Ahmed Siddiqui, destroyed counterfeit and non-duty paid cigarettes valued at Rs. 180 million. The duty and taxes evaded in this case amount to Rs. 150 million.
The seized cigarettes were confiscated by the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) squad of RTO Rawalpindi under Rule 29 of the Federal Excise Duty Rules, 2005. These goods were declared liable for destruction in accordance with Rule 30 of the same regulations.
The destruction took place in a secure location at Nakodar, Dina Jhelum, ensuring no risk to public safety. The procedure was carried out in the presence of Chief Commissioner Tehmina Aamer, Commissioner IR Jhelum Zone Mazhar Iqbal, Additional Commissioner Hq/Regional Coordinator IREN Riaz Khan, Assistant Director Audit Shujaat Ali Khan, media representatives, and official witnesses, guaranteeing full transparency and accountability.
This action was executed under the legal framework of Section 27(1) read with Section 19(10) of the Federal Excise Act, 2005.
The move highlights the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) continued commitment to combating tax evasion and dismantling illicit networks involved in the production and distribution of untaxed and counterfeit tobacco products.
