By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Lahore has seized a large quantity of foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes worth Rs28.36 million during an operation in Shahdara, officials said.
According to the seizure report No. 96/2026, the operation was conducted on July 16, 2026, on the basis of specific information received by the anti-smuggling staff. The team intercepted two rickshaws allegedly carrying non-duty-paid and smuggled cigarettes.
During initial questioning, the drivers reportedly disclosed that the cigarettes had been loaded from a house located in Shahdara. Acting on the information, Customs officials conducted a search of the premises under Section 163 of the Customs Act, 1969.
The search operation led to the recovery of a significant quantity of foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes, including 70 cartons and 45 outers. The recovered goods were taken into custody and formally seized through Seizure Report No. 96/2026.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of Collector Customs Enforcement Lahore Agha Saeed Ahmad, while Additional Collector (ADC) Naveed ur Rehman Bugvi supervised the anti-smuggling activities.
Customs officials said the successful action reflects continued efforts by the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement to curb the illegal movement and sale of smuggled goods, which cause significant losses to the national exchequer.
The department has intensified surveillance and enforcement measures against networks involved in the transportation and storage of non-duty-paid goods, particularly in major commercial areas of Lahore.
Officials further stated that investigations into the seized cigarettes and the individuals involved are underway to trace the broader supply chain behind the smuggling activity. Further legal proceedings will be initiated under relevant provisions of the Customs Act after completion of the investigation.
The Customs Enforcement Lahore has recently increased operations against smugglers in the city and surrounding areas, focusing on intelligence-based actions to prevent the circulation of illegal imported goods in local markets.
The seizure of millions of rupees worth of cigarettes highlights the scale of the challenge faced by enforcement agencies, as smuggling not only affects government revenue collection but also impacts legitimate businesses dealing in duty-paid products.
