Customs seizes goods worth Rs364m

In a major crackdown, personnel from the Pakistan Customs Collectorate of Customs Enforcement seized counterfeit cigarettes, smuggled raw materials, and heavy machinery, all valued at Rs 364 million.

Syed Irfan Ali, a spokesperson for Customs, stated that the operation was based on intelligence and led by the Anti-Smuggling Sukkur team of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Hyderabad. The team conducted raids on a godown in the Golimar area of Sukkur and an illegal factory located in Rohri.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 1,045 cartons and 52,250 reams of counterfeit cigarettes—brands such as Olympic, Honda, Hiway, and Classic Gold—worth Rs 240 million. Additionally, 21,710 kilograms of smuggled and non-duty-paid raw materials, valued at Rs 54 million, were seized, along with two vehicles used to transport the counterfeit cigarettes and 31 units of smuggled machinery, worth Rs 70 million, which were allegedly being used to manufacture the counterfeit cigarettes.

All the seized goods had been taken into custody, and the factory had been sealed. A First Information Report (FIR) had been lodged, naming the owners of the factory, godown, and vehicles involved. The total value of the recovered goods was Rs 364 million. Investigations are ongoing.