https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=68532 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. en-us Sun, 25 Jan 2026 17:01:04 +0530 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 17:01:04 +0530 TaxTMI RSS Generator https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=68532 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. News - Sun, 25 Jan 2026 17:01:04 +0530 https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=68532