The Anti-Smuggling Task Force of the Chittagong Customs, Excise, and VAT Commissionerate recovered an extensive quantity of cigarettes with counterfeit band rolls on Sunday in a major raid on the illegal cigarette trade.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Bayazid Bostami Police Station, resulted in the confiscation of 11 master cartons (1 lakh 10 thousand pieces) of Golden Hill and Padma brand cigarettes. The estimated value of the seized cigarettes is five lakh taka.
During the raid, which took place on the ground floor of a five-storey building in Rofabad, Paharika Housing Society, Chittagong, officials also seized a machine used for attaching fake cigarette band rolls and a vehicle used for transporting the illegal products.
Several officials from the Chittagong VAT Commissionerate reported that the task force had acted on a tip-off regarding the storage and distribution of illegal cigarettes in building no. 154 of the residential area. The cigarettes, manufactured by ‘FT Tobacco Industries’ of Faridpur district, were found to have band rolls that had been previously used or were counterfeit, thus evading the prescribed government revenue.
Officials added that the seized cigarettes did not have the band rolls authorized by the government rather previously used band rolls were used. The fake band rolls were attached to evade tax. The members of the task force seized a vehicle used for carrying these illicit cigarettes from there as well. At the same time, a machine for applying fake band rolls has been confiscated. The task force swiftly sealed the warehouse following the raid.
A senior official commented that under the guidance and leadership of the Commissioner, the Customs, Excise & VAT Commissionerate, Chattogram is always proactive in preventing smuggling and protecting government revenue. “Our efforts to stop the illegal infiltration of counterfeit goods and cigarettes into the market will continue unabated.”
This operation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and ensure compliance with tax regulations in the region. The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding the interests of the nation.
