ISLAMABAD: The DG Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Inland Revenue (IR) has decided to establish a Rapid Deployment Force (RDF), comprising police commandos for swift raids on and sealing of factories producing counterfeit/non-duty paid brands of cigarettes.
The DG I&I-IR has requested FBR Chairman Tariq Bajwa, seeking resources for carrying out raids on cigarette factories involved in manufacturing counterfeit/non-duty paid cigarettes. According to the directorate, the board has directed the authorities concerned to raid on and seal cigarette factories producing counterfeit/non-duty paid cigarettes. It was also agreed that the Interior Ministry would provide the directorate police commandos for assistance whenever and wherever required.
A meeting of the Directors I&I-IR was consequently called to chalk out a strategy for carrying out raids. The Directors I&I IR were of the view that without proper logistic support, they would not only be carrying out an exercise in futility, but would also put the lives of their officers and staff at stake. As pointed out on a number of occasions, the directorate is in dire need for human and material resources. The FBR to ensure effective enforcement needs different measures including modern double cabin vehicles (one for each Directorate). This can be easily done if FBR Member Customs allows the use of tampered vehicles confiscated by his field formations. Secondly, arms in the shape of semi-automatic rifles (AK 47) along with supporting ammunition are required. Six rifles would be the bare minimum requirement of each Directorate (24 total rifles).
Similarly, the FBR needs a Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) to carry out such raids. Raids are carried out discretely where time is the essence. The presence of a home grown RDF would not only save time but also free ourselves from the hassle of requesting other authorities for provision of personnel. Eight to 10 personnel per directorate would suffice initially.
