LAHORE: The Customs Appellate Tribunal has rejected the case of Collector Customs Preventive against Muhammad Imran who is allegedly involved in smuggling of silver.
Imran Tariq Member Technical bench-II heard the arguments and rejected the case with remarks that under the SRO 456 & 499 and section 2 (s)of Customs Act 1969, according to the term of baggage rules the seized silver in shape of chains must be released after imposition of 20 percent redemption.
According to details, the staff of Airport Security Force (ASF) intercepted a passenger Muhammad Imran who is a resident of Kot Khawaja Saeed Lahore at Allama Iqbal International Airport. During the physical search, ASF staff found two packets of silver jewellery in shape of chains weighing 14 kilograms.
During investigations Muhammad Irfan stated in his written statement that it was his first travel from Lahore to Sharjah and he was not aware about the customs laws. On demand, the aforesaid passenger failed to show any documents to justify its possession.
The appellant filed the case before the adjudication authority who passed the impounged order after hearing the case that with the confiscation of goods the accused party to pay Rs. 25000 as personal penalty in violation of laws.
Appellant filed case before Collector Appeals. Collector Appeal passed the OnO that customs authorities released the goods after payment of duties and taxes.
Collector of Customs Preventive filed the case in Customs Appellate Tribunal that the impounged order not according to laws and passed in mechanical fashion.
After hearing the case Customs Appellate Tribunal passed the verdict that commissioner appeals decision remained constant and customs authorities must release goods with the payment of duties and taxes.
