Fresh Inquiry Ordered as Seized Goods Go Missing Despite New SOPs
A Senate sub‑committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, has raised alarm over the alleged theft of 2,828 cartons of seized cigarettes worth Rs. 250 million from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) warehouses. The panel questioned the handling and oversight of confiscated goods after learning that the cigarettes, initially seized in Swabi in January 2024, were later shifted to two separate warehouses, one of which lacked CCTV surveillance..
FBR officials admitted the disappearance was discovered in May 2025, with an FIR registered shortly afterward. The committee was informed that three officers had been dismissed and eight others transferred, though none are currently in custody. Despite new SOPs introduced after the incident, another 20 cartons were reportedly stolen in January 2026, raising further concerns about systemic lapses.
The sub‑committee directed the FBR to provide complete case details, records of all officers involved, and a 10‑year enforcement history of Customs and FBR actions related to seized goods. Officials confirmed the cigarettes belonged to the “Paramount Kisan” brand and noted that a High Court has ordered a fresh inquiry into the matter.
