MARDAN: The Inland Revenue wing of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) seized machinery used for preparing tobacco for illegal cigarette manufacturing during a raid on a factory in Mardan, officials said on Wednesday.
According to FBR sources, the operation was carried out under the supervision of the Chief Commissioner of RTO Peshawar. The factory was reportedly running concealed and unauthorized machinery to process tobacco meant for the production of unregistered cigarettes.
Officials revealed that the seized machinery had a daily output capacity of 6,000 to 7,000 kilograms, and the illegal cigarettes produced using this tobacco were valued at up to Rs45 million per day. Although the facility possessed legally approved machinery, additional hidden equipment was being used exclusively for illicit cigarette production.
Sources added that the processed tobacco was supplied to manufacturing units located in Azad Kashmir and Hyderabad.
Authorities confirmed that the machinery has been confiscated and legal proceedings have been initiated. The factory is linked to the family of former Mardan MPA Naseem ur Rehman, while its directors reportedly belong to a Lahore-based business group.
FBR officials stated that the enforcement team conducted the operation without coming under any pressure. The department reiterated its commitment to intensifying action against illegal tobacco processing to ensure the rule of law.
