Illegal Cigarettes Worth Rs. 180 Million Destroyed by FBR in Jhelum Operation
cigarettes worth Rs. 180 million in an effort to combat the illegal trade in cigarettes and strengthen tax regulations. This action was executed by the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi under the leadership of Chief Commissioner Tehmina Aamer and following specific directions from Chief Coordinator of IREN, Aqeel Ahmed Siddiqui.
The smuggled and tax-evading tobacco products were the focus of the operation, which was led by the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN). The confiscated items were seized under Rule 29 of the Federal Excise Duty Rules, 2005, and officially categorized for destruction under Rule 30. If the illegal stock had been sold, Rs. 150 million in federal taxes and duties could have been avoided. The destruction process was carried out in a secured area in Nakodar, Dina (district Jhelum), to ensure full compliance with legal and safety regulations. The disposal was supervised in person by senior officials, including Commissioner Inland Revenue Mazhar Iqbal, Additional Commissioner and Regional IREN Coordinator Riaz Khan, and Assistant Director Audit Shujaat Ali Khan. Media representatives and official observers were also present to guarantee transparency and document the proceedings.
This enforcement was carried out under the provisions of Section 27(1) and Section 19(10) of the Federal Excise Act, 2005. The FBR has made it clear that it will continue to act decisively against those involved in producing, distributing, or selling untaxed and counterfeit tobacco products.
Such decisive actions underline the FBR’s ongoing resolve to strengthen tax compliance and protect the legitimate economy from the harmful effects of black-market activities.
---
Post a Comment
0Comments