1 month ago
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Vijayawada: Commissioner of customs and central tax CGST commissionerate, Sadhu Narasimha Reddy said that major illegal storage and trading were foiled by officers of anti-evasion, Vijayawada Guntur Central GST commissionerate, by seizing 25,38,000 sticks of cigarettes and 46,000 pouches of spit tobacco (khaini), valued at Rs 1crore (as per MRP). He explained that in a significant operation, the vigilant officers of anti-evasion, Vijayawada Guntur CGST commissionerate, along with the assistance of officers of the customs commissionerate (preventive), Vijayawada, carried out a search operation at unregistered premises in Ambapuram panchayat, Ajith Singh Nagar, Vijayawada, involved in the illegal storage and possible trading of Indian-origin cigarettes and spit tobacco without proper documents, thereby evading tax payment.
Narasimha Reddy said that upon meticulous inspection, it was discovered that a substantial quantity of Indian-origin cigarettes was stored at the said premises. He further said that it was found that there are 102 HDPE sacks containing 25.38 lakh sticks of cigarettes of GTPL Vimal, Gold Vimal, Gold Flake, and Paris valued at Rs 96.82 lakh and 23 HDPE sacks containing 46,000 pouches of spit tobacco valued at Rs 3.68 lakh. He mentioned that the tenant of the premises, who is the owner of the goods, did not turn up and could not produce the invoices evidencing legitimate purchase, i.e., purchase of goods with proper invoice and e-way bill, thus indicating evasion of applicable taxes to the government.
Sadhu Narasimha Reddy further mentioned that the seized cigarette packages lacked essential markings, manufacturing dates, and/or expiry dates, raising suspicion about the legality of the goods, and Paris Brand cigarettes MRP is less than the taxes payable. He stated that due to these findings, officers of anti-evasion, Guntur commissionerate, seized the entire consignments of cigarettes and spit tobacco valued at Rs 1 crore on reasonable belief that the goods were transported unlawfully and stored for further illegal trade.
The customs commissioner investigation into this matter is currently underway. He added that the Guntur CGST commissionerate is dedicated to enforcing GST tax laws, ensuring compliance, and combating evasion and seizure of illegal cigarettes worth Rs 5.67 crore in FY 2023-24 and Rs 4.17 crore in this FY so far.
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