Major seizure: RTO Rawalpindi destroys 25 million smuggled cigarettes

The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi carried out a significant operation on Thursday to destroy a large quantity of illicit, smuggled, counterfeit, and non-duty-paid cigarettes. The estimated value of the destroyed products was approximately Rs194 million.

The event, held at Chakbeli Road in Rawalpindi, involved the destruction of 2,585 packrites, which equates to 25,580,000 cigarette sticks.

Chief Commissioner of RTO Rawalpindi, Tehmina Aamer, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

The event was attended by several key stakeholders, including members of the World Health Organization (WHO) and officers from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

During the ceremony, the participants were briefed on the entire process, from the initial confiscation of illicit tobacco and tobacco products to their eventual destruction, in accordance with the law.

Following the briefing, the distinguished guests collectively set fire to the seized cigarettes, effectively destroying them.

This operation underscores the RTO Rawalpindi’s commitment to combatting the illegal trade of tobacco products and ensuring compliance with national and international regulations.

The destruction of these illicit cigarettes also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect public health and maintain the integrity of the country’s tax and revenue system.