Karachi (HRNW)- The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has intensified its crackdown on illegal cigarette manufacturing and seized an unauthorized cigarette manufacturing unit in Malir District, Karachi, along with machinery, cigarettes, tobacco and other materials estimated to be worth Rs700–750 million.
According to FBR officials, the illegal unit, operating under the name Honda Cigarette Company, was established on an area exceeding 2,000 square yards. The facility was reportedly rented around four months ago and began cigarette production approximately one month ago, with an estimated capacity of 100 cartons per day.
During the operation, officials recovered two operational cigarette manufacturing machines, each reportedly valued at around Rs300 million. Other seized equipment included two token machines, a packing machine, a plastic wrapper machine, a filter-making machine, a 300 KVA generator and additional machinery used in cigarette production.
The FBR said the operation also resulted in the seizure of 60 cartons of cigarettes, around 150,000 loose cigarette sticks, more than 50 sacks of tobacco, 24 cartons of filters and 47 cartons of packing material.
Authorities also confiscated three vehicles allegedly used to transport cigarettes and a laptop. FBR officials estimated the total value of the seized machinery, cigarettes, tobacco and other materials at approximately Rs700–750 million.
Sources said around 35 to 40 workers were employed at the facility, including experienced workers reportedly brought from Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Some of the workers had previously worked for the Khyber Tobacco Company.
The FBR said further investigation into the illegal manufacturing operation is underway. Officials added that the final valuation of the seized goods, any additional recoveries and further details of the investigation will be announced later.
Support independent journalism and human rights reporting by making a donation: www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
