Cigarette Mafia Attacks FBR Office and Recovers Seized Stock

Suspects involved in the illegal cigarette trade allegedly attacked an Inland Revenue team of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Bahawalpur, snatching back part of a seized consignment and threatening the authorities with death.

Key points

• Police records show the case has been registered under Sections 382, 342, 186, 355, 148, 149 and 506-B of the Pakistan Penal Code.
• Fifteen individuals have been nominated, including Azam, Shahzad, Muhammad Ali, Tariq Ali, Mushtaq Ahmed and Talib Rasool.
• Sources remarked they forcibly took away around 15 cartons of the seized cigarettes, comprising the Marvon, Honda and Pine brands.
• On the complaint of the Inland Revenue authorities, a case was registered at Saddar Police Station, Bahawalpur.
• As sources indicate, the FBR team had received intelligence that illegal cigarettes were being moved in a vehicle bearing registration number AHE-895.

As sources indicate, the FBR team had received intelligence that illegal cigarettes were being moved in a vehicle bearing registration number AHE-895. Authorities intercepted the vehicle and took possession of the stock. Govt to Slap Heavy Fines Against Shopkeepers Who Ignore FBR. Seized Cartons Snatched Back.

During the operation, a group of suspects allegedly resisted violently, assaulted the administration personnel and obstructed the raid.

Sources remarked they forcibly took away around 15 cartons of the seized cigarettes, comprising the Marvon, Honda and Pine brands. Case Registered Against 15 Individuals.

On the complaint of the Inland Revenue authorities, a case was registered at Saddar Police Station, Bahawalpur. The charges include interference in official duty, assault on administration personnel, criminal intimidation and obstruction of lawful proceedings.

Notably, the incident has again triggered concern over resistance from elements in the illegal cigarette trade against enforcement operations by administration agencies. Govt Seeks Diesel for Punjab RLNG Power Plant.

As a sizeable share of the market has slipped into illegal hands, FBR has been stepping up action against this trade, including sealing an illegal cigarette factory in Karachi.

Authorities have been pressed to take effective action against those involved in the illegal transport and sale of cigarettes and to ensure adequate protection for office-holders carrying out their lawful duties. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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For now, cigarette Mafia Attacks FBR Office and Recovers Seized Stock remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.