A major raid was conducted at Classic Tobacco Limited in Ishwardi, Pabna, where law enforcement seized a significant quantity of locally produced counterfeit cigarettes, along with fake and reused banderols. The operation took place at 5.30 AM on Saturday at the factory located at Baraichara Tetultola mor, led by Ishwardi Police.
According to police reports, the raid resulted in the confiscation of 1.1 million sticks of illegal, locally manufactured cigarettes from brands such as Top Light, Top 20, London, Square Gold, and Parliament. Additionally, 20,000 counterfeits along with fake and reused banderols were seized. Authorities stated that Classic Tobacco Limited was allegedly involved in evading government taxes through unauthorized cigarette production and the use of counterfeit banderols. Legal actions against the company are currently underway.
Sub-Inspector (SI) Nurul Huda of Ishwardi Police Station commented on the operation, saying “We went to conduct the raid at Classic Tobacco, but since the Officer-in-charge (OC) was not present, we did not proceed with the operation. Their representative will contact us and we will conduct the operation accordingly.”
Those who are concerned with the sector have noted that since January 9, the government has increased tariffs and taxes on cigarettes and over a hundred other products and services. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has already issued directives to use updated stamps and banderols based on the new pricing. Due to the tax hike, the production of illegal cigarettes within the country and the smuggling of untaxed foreign cigarettes have surged in recent months.
