Customs seize cigarette-making machinery, 1,275kg tobacco in Bagerhat

Customs officials have seized two trucks carrying cigarette manufacturing machinery and a large quantity of raw materials, including 1,275 kilogrammes of cut tobacco, during a raid in Bagerhat.

The seizure was made by the VAT Division, Bagerhat, under the Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Khulna, based on confidential information during a raid yesterday (8 September), according to a National Board of Revenue (NBR) press release issued today (9 September).

Officials intercepted and searched the two trucks.

The seized items included one set of cigarette-making machinery comprising two parts, one set of packing machinery comprising two parts, 50 plastic crates and a generator.

Officials also recovered 51 sacks of cut tobacco, each weighing 25kg, bringing the total to 1,275kg. Other seized materials included 76 rolls of cigarette paper, five cartons of filter paper, three drums of gum or flour, 54 rolls of foil paper, six boxes of packet-making paper, one air tank and 100 pieces of Scotch tape.

According to the NBR, a preliminary examination of samples of the seized goods indicated that the equipment and materials appeared to constitute a nearly complete factory set-up for cigarette production.

Customs authorities are conducting further verification and taking legal action in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

The seized goods are also being deposited at the Customs Headquarters warehouse as part of the prescribed procedure, the NBR said.

The authorities have not yet disclosed the estimated market value of the seized machinery and materials or identified the owners or intended recipients of the consignments.