KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has awarded 15 days imprisonment and fine of Rs 100,000 to suspects, Abdul Rasheed and Muhammad Raheem, who were booked for attempting to smuggle non-duty paid foreign origin 30,000 liters high speed diesel.
During the hearing, the suspects appeared before the court along with their counsel and moved a petition for pleading guilty. After hearing the arguments, the court framed charges against them who pleaded guilty and left themselves on the mercy of the court. The court awarded them 15 days imprisonment and fine of Rs 100,000 as undergone period.
The court also re-issued non-bail able warrants against suspect namely Abdul Sattar who is lawful owner of the oil tanker and is still absconder in this case
On last date of hearing, investigation officer had submitted challan against arrested suspects namely Abdul Rasheed son of Umer Hameed, Muhammad Raheem son of Jumma Khan and absconder suspect namely Abdul Sattar son of Muhammad Ilyas and informed the court that on a credible information a team of Anti-Smuggling Organization intercepted a Hino truck and recovered 30,000 liters Iranian HSD Oil.
He further informed the court that during the raid, customs officials asked suspects to produce lawful documents of the said oil, however, they failed to produce any lawful documents, therefore, after formalities customs officials arrested both accused and seized said oil.
Earlier, Investigation officer had said that prosecution needs further investigation from suspects therefore, court may send back them to customs department. After his arguments, court had sent them to jail on judicial remand and had directed investigation officer to submit charge sheet.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of under section 2 (s) 156 (2) 157 (2) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clauses 8 & 89 of section 156 (i) ibid read with section 3 (1) of Import and Export Control Act, 1950.
