KARACHI: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigations’ two investigation officers got pre-arrest bail in illegal removal/ replacement of seized betel nuts from state warehouse case.
The Customs Court granted pre-arrest bail to suspects namely Pervaiz Ahmed Zardari and Mehmood Akbar, investigation officers of Intelligence & Investigation (warehouse) who were involved in illegal removal/ replacement of seized betel nuts from state warehouse.
On April 13, 2019, counsel for the suspects moved pre-arrest bail and argued that they have been falsely implicated in this case and they are ready to face trial, however, they have apprehension of arrest, therefore, court may grant their bail till final judgment in this case.
After the hearing, court granted their pre-arrest bail against the surety of Rs100,000 and directed them to appear on next date of hearing for conformation or otherwise.
According to the prosecution, a committee headed by principal appraiser, conducted physical audit of confiscated seized betel nuts lying in the state warehouse, S.I.T.E Karachi and furnish report accordingly, wherein pointed out following serious discrepancies and shortage/ replacement in the seized betel nuts.
According to the first information report, an inquiry was conducted and from the perusal of case record, stock register and statements recorded during inquiry proceedings, it transpired that the entire affairs of intelligence (SWH) were dealt in grave violation of the provision of section 169 (1) of the customs act, 1969.
Investigation officer submitted that during the investigation, it has been found that Mehmood Aktar has been found involved in the illegal removal of warehouse seized betel nuts weighing 88,353 kgs coupled with 2,000 kgs of date seeds, soup nuts (reetha), wooden off cuts, likewise, Pervaiz Ahmed Zardari is involved in the replacement of 180 bags of seized betel nuts weighing 5,650 kgs with 180 bags of date seeds, wooden off cuts, etc, weighing 5,650 kgs and thus violated the provision of section 169 (1) 156 (1) (8) and (82) of the customs act, 1969 read with chapter XI of CGO 12 of 2002.
