<h1>Counterfeit cigarettes in Munger surge as higher excise duty and GST rates spur organised illegal manufacture and seizures.</h1> Enforcement agencies including the Bihar Police and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have conducted search-and-seizure operations against organised syndicates that collect empty branded packets, manufacture counterfeit cigarette sticks, and distribute them across neighbouring states; recent seizures included nearly four lakh counterfeit sticks and significant cash. The Centre's announced increase in excise duty (Rs 2,050-8,500 per 1,000 sticks) in addition to a maximum GST rate of 40% is identified as a driver of the illicit trade, prompting heightened vigilance and coordinated action to protect revenue and public health.