Rs 15 million worth of counterfeit cigarettes seized in Sukkur highway crackdown

SUKKUR: In a major crackdown against illicit tobacco trade, Sukkur police, in collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), seized a large consignment of counterfeit cigarettes during a late-night operation on the Indus Highway near the Sukkur Bus Terminal on Thursday.

Police officials said the operation was launched in response to a reliable tip about the movement of counterfeit cigarettes in the area. Law enforcement authorities acted promptly, establishing surveillance and stopping a Mazda suspected of transporting illicit products.

During the check, authorities found 130 boxes containing over 65,000 packets of fake cigarettes. The estimated market value of the confiscated goods is Rs15 million (one and a half crore rupees). Officials said the seizure is among the largest recoveries in the area in recent months.

One suspect was taken into custody at the scene and placed under arrest for further questioning. Police sources said the apprehended individual is believed to have been directly involved in transporting the illegal consignment. Investigators are also working to determine whether he is part of a larger organized network producing and distributing fake tobacco products.

Police officials stated that the successful interception highlights ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trade of tobacco products, which causes substantial financial losses to the national exchequer and poses serious public health risks. Unlike legally manufactured cigarettes, counterfeit cigarettes often evade regulatory inspections and may contain unregulated and potentially hazardous ingredients.

The illegal tobacco trade continues to be a challenge in many parts of the country, with smuggling networks exploiting highways and urban centers. The Indus Highway, as a vital transit route, is frequently used to transport goods between provinces. To combat these unlawful activities, law enforcement agencies have increased surveillance in the area.

Officials emphasized that strict action will continue against those involved in smuggling and selling counterfeit products. They reiterated their commitment to protecting consumers from substandard and hazardous goods while ensuring compliance with tax and trade regulations.

Local police also urged citizens to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities related to smuggling and counterfeit goods, stressing that public cooperation plays a key role in disrupting illegal supply chains.

The seized cigarettes have been taken into custody as evidence, and forensic analysis may be conducted to determine their composition and source. Authorities said that further arrests may follow as investigations continue.

This combined operation demonstrates how police and other law enforcement authorities can work together to combat economic crimes and protect public interests. Officials reiterated that intelligence-based operations targeting illegal trade networks will continue in the coming weeks.