ISLAMABAD: In a continued effort to curb illegal tobacco production, a team of RTO Peshawar, under the supervision of Chief Commissioner, conducted a major enforcement operation on Friday, at a cigarette manufacturing factory in Mardan.
During the operation, M/s Universal Tobacco Company (Pvt) Ltd was found clandestinely operating undeclared plant and machinery used for the production of cut tobacco intended for illegal cigarette manufacturing.
This manufacturer produces renowned cigarette brands such as “Café” and “Ranger”. The seized machinery had an estimated daily production capacity of 6,000 to 7,000 kilograms of tobacco. If converted into cigarette production, the estimated revenue involved would amount to approximately PKR 45 million per day.
The unit was already operating the declared machinery. However, the undeclared machinery was being used specifically for the preparation of tobacco for illicit cigarette production.
The operation was carried out by a team of RTO Peshawar led by Mr. Tariq Aziz, ADCIR, under due authorization from the concerned Commissioner. The machinery has been seized, and proceedings for its confiscation have been initiated along with the prosecution.
The enforcement team of RTO Peshawar successfully carried out the action without succumbing to any influence, demonstrating FBR’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the national revenue. Acting on the Prime Minister’s directives to curb illegal cigarette trade, FBR, with full support from the Pakistan Army, has deployed 120 Pakistan Rangers personnel at GLT units nationwide and posted dedicated monitors under Section 40B of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, and Section 45 of the Federal Excise Act, 2005, to ensure lawful production and removal.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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