Illegal cigarette network unearthed in 14 Peshawar markets

PESHAWAR: The FBR teams have uncovered a major network involved in the sale of smuggled and illegal cigarettes in Peshawar.

According to official sources on Tuesday, multiple teams from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) have identified 14 key markets that serve as supply hubs for illegal cigarettes across the city.

Among the areas highlighted are Peepal Mandi, Sabzi Mandi Sikandar Pura and Karkhano Market, where clear evidence of illicit trade has been found. Officials indicate that these locations are central to distributing illegal cigarettes to various parts of Peshawar.

Sources further revealed that a large-scale operation against the network is expected to take place before and after Eid. Investigations have also pointed to the involvement of certain government officials in facilitating the illegal business.

Authorities emphasized that the widespread sale of smuggled cigarettes is causing significant financial losses to the national exchequer, amounting to millions of rupees.

The crackdown aims to dismantle the network and curb the growing illegal cigarette trade in the region. APP