Chewing tobacco seized in Chattogram over Tk1.83cr VAT, duty evasion

The Customs, Excise & VAT Commissionerate has seized 258 cartons of Hakimpuri Zarda (chewing tobacco) from a warehouse in Chattogram for evasion of value added tax and supplementary duty amounting to Tk1.83 crore.

Authorities seized the cartons from a warehouse belonging to Absar Traders from Hinguli area under Mirsharai upazila on Tuesday, and filed a case in this regard under the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Rules on Wednesday.

The Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate's Commissioner (Chattogram) Enamul Hoque said, "On a tip off, a preventive team from the headquarters conducted a raid in the Hinguli area. The owner of Absar Traders could not be found.

"A staff named MD Sumon Majumdar could not present any documents relating to payment of VAT and supplementary duty. He could only show some delivery receipts."

He continued, "During the raid, we found 258 cartons of Hakimpuri brand chewing tobacco produced by the Kaus Chemical Works. Total weight of the chewing tobacco is around 3260.40 kilograms.

"Absar Traders has evaded Tk14,671,800 in supplementary duty and Tk3,667,950 lakh in value added tax. After investigation and due process, the seized chewing tobacco will sold in action to pay those dues."