In a significant operation, the Anti-Evasion wing of Tirupati Central GST Commissionerate apprehended an individual and confiscated cigarettes valued at Rs 3.48 crore, suspecting Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion.
Bigendra Kumar Singh, the director of Goldstep Tobacco Private Limited based in Patna, was detained under the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act for his involvement in the smuggling attempt.
On February 1, a shipment of 56.1 lakh cigarettes, disguised as safety matchboxes, was confiscated in Anantapur.
Following the investigation, Singh’s involvement was uncovered, leading to his subsequent arrest.
In a joint operation of Anti-Evasion wing,Tirupati CGST and Anantapur CGST Division, a truck transporting 56,10,000 cigarette sticks worth Rs.3.48Cr in the guise of match sticks was detained. On further investigation,Director of the company involved has been arrested @cbic_india pic.twitter.com/CKVhIAFTCW
— Tirupaticgstcommissionerate (@Tirupaticgstco1) February 5, 2024
This marks the second significant crackdown on cigarette smuggling by Tirupati CGST in the current year.
The Commissionerate identified GST evasion amounting to Rs 43.46 crore and successfully recouped Rs 35.99 crore, with Rs 5.83 crore stemming from the seizure of cigarettes.
Officials reaffirmed their dedication to curbing such activities and emphasized their resolve to take decisive action against offenders.