By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Customs Enforcement Lahore has seized six truckloads of illegally imported cigarettes worth approximately Rs530 million during a raid at Shah Alam Market.
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The operation was carried out on specific information provided by Collector Customs (Enforcement) Lahore, Agha Saeed. Acting on intelligence reports, a customs team led by Superintendent Rashid Munir conducted a targeted raid in the city’s major wholesale trading hub.
Officials said the team recovered assorted brands of foreign-origin cigarettes that had allegedly been smuggled into the country without payment of applicable duties and taxes. The seized goods were transported in six trucks and taken into custody following the operation.
According to customs authorities, the estimated market value of the confiscated cigarettes stands at Rs530 million. Preliminary investigations suggest that the consignment was intended for distribution in local markets.
An official statement said the operation forms part of an ongoing crackdown against smuggling networks and illicit trade, which authorities say causes significant revenue losses to the national exchequer and undermines legitimate businesses.
Collector Customs (Enforcement) Lahore commended the raiding team for acting swiftly on credible intelligence and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to curbing smuggling activities across the region.
Further investigations are under way to identify those responsible for the illegal import and distribution of the cigarettes. Authorities indicated that legal proceedings will be initiated against the individuals involved under relevant customs and anti-smuggling laws.
