KARACHI: The Customs Court approved physical remand of suspect namely Muhammad Umair son of Abdul Jabbar and sent him to customs lock-up, who was involved in a case of attempting to contraband smuggling of 14,244 kilograms betel nuts.
On April 23, 2019, Iftikhar Hasan Khan, investigation officer of customs preventive produced the above mentioned suspect before the court and informed that on an actionable information that a considerable quantity of smuggled betel nuts has been dumped at godown-cum-shop situated at Goshat Market, Moin Plaza, Karachi for cutting and would likely to be removed from that premises shortly, pursuant of said information, customs team conducted the raid and search accordingly.
He further submitted that during the raid above-mentioned suspect told that the owner of shop is one person namely Kaloo and as a customer he also handed over 30 bags to him for cutting purpose. As there was specific information with regard to dumping of smuggled betel nuts, it was considered inevitable to conduct the search of the premises instantly.
He further informed the court that during the search team recovered 280 bags of assorted size containing total 14,244 kilograms assorted betel nuts worth Rs2,831,707.
Investigation officer said that after the formalities, goods were seized and said suspect was taken into custody. He argued that prosecution needs further investigation for arrest of owner of godown and seizure of remaining betel nuts, therefore, court may send him back to customs department.
After the hearing, court sent him back to customs department and directed investigation officer to produce him on next date of hearing along with progress report.
