KARACHI: The Customs Court confirmed pre-arrest bail of suspect namely Waseem Imtiaz Ali son of Imtiaz Ali, owner of contraband goods, who was booked in smuggling of 17, 105 kilograms foreign origin Katha worth Rs17,105,000 and 2820 kilograms of Wangsa Kristal Palm Fat worth Rs212,064.
On 4 November 2020, the above mentioned suspect appeared before the court along with his counsel who argued that his client is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case, who is ready to face trial, however, he had apprehension of arrest, therefore, the court may grant his pre-arrest bail. After the hearing, the court confirmed his pre-arrest bail.
Earlier, court had approved his pre-arrest bail against the surety of Rs2,00,000 and issued notices to special prosecutor customs, investigation officer and also called police papers, court and directed accused to attend the court for next date of hearing for confirmation or bail or otherwise.
It needs to be mentioned here that investigation officer of customs preventive submitted progress report and submitted that on actionable information, customs officials raided at godown no 407 Zia Mor near Labour Square, S.I.T.E Karachi and recovered 311 slabs of foreign origin cutch (katha) wrapped in pp bags bearing marks as product of Myanmar, further packed in wooden cases total kg of 17,105 worth Rs17,105,000 and 141 cartons containing Wangsa Kristal Palm Fat made in Malaysia each carton weighing 20 kg total 2820 kg valuing of Rs212,064.
He further submitted that after the formalities, customs officials seized the goods and as no one came forward to claim the ownership of the impugned goods neither any document to substantiate the lawful import/ procurement/ purchase and storage of foreign origin goods have been produced by any one.
Investigation officer further stated that a suspect Waseem Imtiaz Ali son of Imtiaz Ali, owner of contraband goods is on bail and further investigation is being done and a progress report will be produced when completed.
After the hearing, the court approved the charge sheet and directed the investigation officer to complete the investigation and submit the charge sheet on the next date of hearing.
