KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to complete investigations and submit final charge-sheet against suspect namely Abdul Moiz Majeed Bawany, who is involved in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 25000 kilogram betel nuts and evaded the duty and taxes worth Rs3,532,550.
On August 08, 2018, investigation officer appeared before the court and sought further time to file final charge-sheet in the same; therefore, the court adjourned the hearing.
During the hearing, counsel for the accused submitted that as per the FIR, on information that M/s Al-Noor Enterprises Lahore would smuggle a consignment of betel nuts while being transshipped from Karachi to Lahore and replace the betel nuts with the goods falsely declared in the TP goods declaration, surveillance was mounted and the consignment was selected for examination.
The container was found to contain 25 metric ton of betel nuts. Inquiry revealed that the importer violated the relevant provisions of the import policy order and attempted to get cleared the betel nuts through mis-declaration and the same was seized accordingly.
He argued that the accused, having not been nominated in the FIR, is neither an importer nor clearing agent in respect of the subject consignment in bound to be implicated case, albeit falsely and maliciously. He further argued that customs officials are harassing the petitioner and threatened him to arrest in this case.
After the hearing on July 18, 2018, court granted him bail against the surety of Rs200,000 and directed him to appear before the court for confirmation of bail or otherwise. The court also issued notices to special prosecutor of customs department and investigation officer for comments.
Citing the state through R&D Wing, Customs Collectorate of Appraisement-East Customs House Karachi as respondent, he pleaded the court to grant him bail and restrain customs officials from arrest and harassment.
