KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to arrest absconders accused persons and produced them before the court who are involved in a case of attempting to smuggle contraband foreign origin cigarettes and other goods into Pakistan.
On 18 August 2020, investigation officer of Anti-Smuggling Organization submitted charge sheet and stated that an actionable information was received to the effect that considerable quantity of smuggled/ non-duty paid foreign origin cigarettes have been dumped at Bolton Market, Karachi and would likely to be removed from that premises shortly.
He argued that on that information, customs team raided at said premises and recovered 201 cartons containing Benson and Hedges brand foreign origin cigarettes. 20 cartons containing BUSINESS brand foreign origin cigarettes. 42 cartons containing BRASS brand foreign origin cigarettes. 20 cartons Milano brands UAE origin cigarettes. O6 cartons containing PRIDE brand foreign origin cigarettes. 02 cartons containing GOLDLEAF brand UK origin cigarettes. 02 cartons containing MAC brand foreign origin cigarettes. 02 cartons containing PINE brand Korea origin cigarettes. 22 pp bags containing 1000 dandas of assorted brands.
He said that no one came forward to claim the ownership of impugned goods recovered from the godown, neither any documents was sowed to prove the lawful import/ procurement/ purchase and storage of foreign origin impugned goods was produced and therefore, after the formalities, customs officials seized abovementioned goods and lodged first information report (FIR) and efforts for arrest of owners and other culprits are underway.
After the hearing, court approved charge sheet and directed him to arrest absconding suspects and produce them before the court
