Chandigarh, Punjab: Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday announced a large-scale, coordinated Tobacco Tax Crackdown Punjab to curb tobacco tax evasion across the state. The operation led to the detection of unaccounted goods valued at ₹1.5 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to strict compliance and revenue protection.
Coordinated Tobacco Tax Crackdown Punjab
Minister Cheema stated that following the recent increase in tax rates on tobacco products—including cigarettes, biris, and allied items—the department received intelligence on a surge in tax evasion. Acting swiftly, four State Investigation and Preventive Units (SIPUs) from Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar conducted simultaneous inspections at eight locations, including five registered businesses and three operating without registration.
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“Major detections were made in Ludhiana and Amritsar, where enforcement teams uncovered concealed storage locations and unaccounted stock,” Cheema said, emphasizing that the Tobacco Tax Crackdown Punjab is aimed at stopping illegal trade and protecting state revenue.
Seized Stock and Financial Impact
The enforcement teams seized 1.32 lakh packs of Indian cigarettes, 18,472 packs of Indian biris, 302 packs of zarda, 13 packets and 95 boxes of imported cigarettes, 148 pieces of foreign-made hookah material, 13,000 lighters, and 18 packs of Coolip. Minister Cheema confirmed that a tax liability exceeding ₹50 lakh, along with penalties, will be recovered on these goods, with ₹12 lakh already collected.
Strengthening Compliance
“This Tobacco Tax Crackdown Punjab demonstrates the government’s zero-tolerance stance on tax evasion,” Cheema added. Traders were warned to maintain proper documentation and comply with statutory provisions to avoid strict penalties.
Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the Punjab government continues to prioritize intelligence-driven enforcement operations like this Tobacco Tax Crackdown Punjab, ensuring fair trade, legal accountability, and safeguarding state revenue.