The central excise department on Monday detected duty evasion of Rs 18 crore by corrugated box manufacturers and distributors in the city. The department has seized over Rs 2 crore in cash during the searches.

Official sources said the department received information that corrugated box manufacturers and distributors in the city's Udhna, Pandesara, Sachin and Ring Road were allegedly evading paying duty. Searches were carried out at the manufacturing units, storehouses, sales offices and residential premises of manufacturers and distributors by a team of excise sleuths from the preventive department and different central excise divisions.

"The corrugated box manufacturers and distributors had adopted a dubious method to evade central excise duty," said a senior excise officer.

"During the search operations against over 24 distributors and manufacturers, the department has seized important documents," he added.

Sources said Surat is the biggest manufacturer of corrugated boxes, which are used for the packaging of industrial goods. The corrugated box manufacturers have been supplying their goods to the industrial units across south Gujarat.