KARACHI: The Customs Court granted bail to suspects Ali Muhammad son of Mirza and Samiullah son of Muhammad Khan against the surety of Rs200,000, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 45,080 kilograms betel nuts.
On March 9, 2019, counsel for accused moved bail petition and argued that their clients are innocent and have been falsely implicated in this case, who are ready to submit surety, therefore, court may grant their bail till final judgment in this case.
After the hearing, court granted their bail and directed them to appear before the court on next date of hearing.
On last date of hearing, investigation officer submitted interim charge sheet against suspects and informed that on an actionable information, customs preventive officials intercepted 05 Hino trucks bearing registration no JU-0327, TKY-169, TKA-457, TKU-801 and TKL-462 and recovered 45,080 kilograms betel nuts valuing Rs12,487,160 and 1400 kg J.M Gutkha worth Rs10,500,000.
He further submitted that one Toyota Premio Saloon bearing registration no APJ-885 used to snatch the Hino trucks loaded with impugned smuggled goods and also created obstruction/ hindrance in exercising the official duty of customs staff, however, two suspects have been arrested.
According to the prosecution, the case was registered for violation under section 2 (s) 156 (2) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under Clauses 89 and 85 of Section 156 (1) read with Section 3 of Import & Export Control Act, 1950.
