KARACHI: Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has extended physical remand of a suspect, Baz Muhammad son of Dost Muhammad, and sent him back to the Customs Department in tortoises smuggling case.
According to details, the suspect was booked for attempting to smuggle 350 live tortoises said to be Central Asian Tortoise or Afghan Tortoise, “Testudo Horsfieldi” worth Rs 1,750,000.
During the hearing, the investigation officer produced the suspect before the court and informed that prosecution needs his further remand for collection of substantial evidences and arrest of facilitators in this crime, therefore, the court may extend his physical remand.
After his arguments, court extended his remand and sent back him to customs department and also directed investigation officer to produce him on next date of hearing along with progress report.
According to the prosecution, on credible information, officials of the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted the accused who was in possession of 5 wooden crates, carrying tortoises in the said wooden crates which he brought from Baluchistan.
After formalities, 350 live tortoises (said to be Central Asian Tortoise of Afghan Tortoise “Testudo Horsfieldi”) were taken into custody and accused also was arrested.
According to the FIR, case was registered in violation of section 2 (s) 16 and 178 read with Import, Export Control Act 1950, further read with Baluchistan and Sindh Wild Protection Ordinance, 1972 etc, punishable under clauses 8, 9 and 89 of section 156 of the Customs Act 1969.
