FBR Cigarettes Theft: Rs. 250 Million Worth Seized Cigarettes Stolen from Warehouses

A shocking case of FBR cigarettes theft has surfaced as 2,828 cartons of confiscated cigarettes, valued at Rs. 250 million, reportedly disappeared from Federal Board of Revenue warehouses. The issue was discussed by a sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, on Monday.

According to FBR officials, six trucks carrying 1,262 cartons of cigarettes were initially seized in Swabi on January 14, 2024. The goods were later moved to two different warehouses due to space constraints—four trucks to one site and two to another. However, the committee highlighted concerns over transferring goods from a monitored facility to a warehouse lacking CCTV surveillance.

The disappearance of the cartons was noticed only on May 7, 2025, with an FIR filed on May 21, 2025, at Swabi Police Station. The matter has now been referred to the FIA for further investigation. Senator Umar Farooq inquired whether any other items were missing, to which FBR officials responded negatively.

Following the theft, three FBR officers were dismissed and eight others transferred. None of the dismissed officers is currently in custody. Alarmingly, the committee also noted a further 20 cartons went missing in January 2026, even after new SOPs were introduced to improve security. The seized cigarettes were reportedly of the “Paramount Kisan” brand.

The committee was informed that the High Court has ordered a fresh inquiry into the case. The trucks involved were released after fines, while the seized cigarettes remain in official custody. The committee directed the FBR to submit a full report within two days, including details of all officers involved and a 10-year record of Customs and FBR actions concerning seized goods.