KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to complete investigation and submit progress report against owners/ employees of M/s Shalimar Foods other suppliers/ smugglers/ associates and abettors, who were allegedly involved in smuggling of 18, 100 kg betel nuts worth Rs14, 480,000.
On 31 December 2020, investigation officer submitted that an information was received at the directorate general intelligence and investigation-customs regional office Karachi, to the effect that a syndicate of smugglers are involved in smuggling of foreign origin smuggled betel nuts (areca) and further supply to various for further use.
He further stated that on that information, customs officials raided at M/s Shalimar Foods’ premises and after the search found 500 pp bags and 70 jute bags total 570 bags (assorted weight and sizes) weighing 18, 100 kgs worth Rs14, 480,000.
He further submitted that detailed scrutiny will be submitted before the court through challan as some secret investigations are underway and premature disclosure may hamper the further investigation of the prosecution, further authentication of actual persons from owner/ employees, who managed procurement of impugned/ subject smuggled betel nuts for use in production in a registered lawful business of the unit is also to be ascertained along with the smugglers/ suppliers form the syndicate involved in this crime.
After the hearing, court took FIR into court record and directed investigation officer to complete investigation and submit progress report for next date of hearing.
