The Amritsar Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate conducted a major operation and cracked down on illegal trade and smuggling of foreign cigarette sticks. The department seized around 4,02,800 foreign-origin cigarette sticks during the operation. As per reports, the estimated cost of these cigarette sticks is approximately Rs 67.83 Lakh.
According to the officials, these cigarettes were recovered during various operations and as of now, the seized contraband has been destroyed through incineration, i.e., controlled burning. The regulations and environmental standards were kept in compliance while doing so. The department also stated that the process was carried out with complete transparency and in strict accordance with prescribed government guidelines, to ensure no environmental damage and strict enforcement of the law.
The Customs official stated that these smuggled foreign cigarettes into the country cause a significant revenue loss to the government and this illegal trade also poses as a serious threat to the health of the youth. So, to keep this under control, the government is continuously increasing surveillance and maintaining special vigilance at border areas and other transit points.
The department also warned that a strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in smuggling or illegal trade. The Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Amritsar, has made an appeal to the public to immediately inform the concerned authorities if they notice any suspicious activity, so that smuggling can be completely stopped. This action is being considered another major success in the ongoing campaign against smuggling.