Karachi: The Regional Tax Office-II (RTO-II) Karachi has launched a major crackdown against illegal cigarette manufacturing and trade, sealing an illegal factory and confiscating cigarette-making machinery, raw materials and finished products worth millions of rupees.

The operation was conducted as part of the nationwide campaign against the illicit tobacco trade on the directions of the Prime Minister and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

According to an official statement, officers of the Inland Revenue Enforcement Squad (IREN) of RTO-II Karachi raided an illegal cigarette manufacturing facility after receiving confidential information.

During the operation, the factory was sealed while the machinery used for cigarette production was dismantled and taken into government custody.

Large quantities of raw materials and finished cigarettes were also seized and shifted to the official premises of RTO-II Karachi.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against those allegedly involved in the illegal operation, while an FIR has been registered before the Court of the Special Judge (Customs and Taxation), Karachi.

The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Baqir Ali. Commissioner Inland Revenue RTO-II Karachi and Regional Coordinator IREN Sindh and Balochistan Dr. Aslam Marri coordinated the operation, while Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue RTO-II Karachi Zafar Rafiq Siddiqui supervised the action.

Criminal investigations have also been formally initiated, with further legal proceedings underway in accordance with the law.

The action forms part of the government's efforts to curb illicit cigarette manufacturing, tax evasion and illegal tobacco trade across the country.