Cigarette Mafia Attacks FBR Office and Recovers Seized Stock

Suspects from the illegal cigarette trade allegedly ambushed an Inland Revenue team of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Bahawalpur, reclaiming a portion of a seized consignment and threatening officials with death. Intelligence had indicated that illegal cigarettes were being transported in a vehicle with registration number AHE-895.

The FBR intercepted the vehicle and seized the stock. During the operation, a group of suspects violently resisted, attacked government personnel, and impeded the raid. Around 15 cartons of seized cigarettes, including Marvon, Honda, and Pine brands, were forcibly taken by the suspects. A case was registered at Saddar Police Station, Bahawalpur, based on the complaint of the FBR officials.

Charges include interference in official duties, assault on government personnel, criminal intimidation, and obstruction of lawful proceedings, all under the Pakistan Penal Code. Fifteen individuals, including Azam, Shahzad, Muhammad Ali, Tariq Ali, Mushtaq Ahmed, and Talib Rasool, were nominated as suspects. This incident has once again highlighted concerns over the resistance from elements within the illegal cigarette trade against enforcement actions by government agencies.

The FBR has intensified actions against this trade, including the sealing of an illegal cigarette factory in Karachi, as a significant portion of the market has shifted to illegal sources. Authorities have called for effective measures against those involved in the illicit transport and sale of cigarettes, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of officials performing their lawful duties.