KARACHI: The Customs Court directed all accused persons to make sure their presence on next date of hearing, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle donkey hides worth Rs124,650,000 from Lahore to Karachi to be smuggled to China.
On 29 August 2018, a Chinese citizen Tu-zhong Xiao son of Tu Shao and other accused attended the court; however, some accused persons were absent without any intimation; therefore, the court adjourned the hearing and directed accused persons to make sure their presence on next date of hearing. The court also issued non-bail-able warrants against absconding accused.
According to the prosecution, local police recovered 4,986 donkey hides which were put inside 642 bags. The operation took place at a shop located in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Block-12, where a Chinese citizen Tu-Zhong Xiao son of Tu Shao, Syed Ehtisham Zaidi son of Syed Shamim Ahmed Zaidi, Muhammad Faisal Bhutto son of Muhammad Ibrahim, Muhammad Jumman son of Ameer Ali, Zeeshan Jan son of Patrus, Daniyal Rahman son of Muhammad Shakeel, Afshan wife of Ehtisham and others were also arrested.
After the formalities, customs officials registered first information report against the above mentioned and absconders Muhammad Bilal son of Salamat Ali, Muhammad Farooq son of Muhammad Qasim and Muhammad Rafique alias Rafi.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the hides were brought illegally from Lahore to be smuggled to China. There were about eight hides in one sack and one hide is sold for approximately Rs25,000.
As per interim challan, investigation officer has informed the court that China is using donkey hides to produce medicine named Ejiao, which is useful in blood-related disease. The Ejiao is obtained from donkey’s Gilatin and owing to this reasons, China has become major importer of donkey hides.
It was told that a large numbers of donkey hides are being export to China and often illegal methods are adopted to make more profits. Due to such smuggling, Pakistan is facing shortfall in foreign exchange whereas its meat is also served to people in Islamic country. Tu Zhong Xiao is the master mind and main culprit in this case. He makes all the dealing and also responsible for investment and sending consignment outside the country.
