KARACHI: Investigation officer of Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation-Customs submitted first information report (FIR) for smuggling non-duty paid foreign origin betel nuts weighing 25, 345 kilograms worth Rs20,276,000.
On 8 March 2021, during the hearing, the investigation officer informed that a credible information was received that some unscrupulous persons are involved in smuggling of foreign origin betel nuts, secretly dumped/ stored at Federal B Area Karachi and the same would be removed from the said place at midnight.
He further submitted that in pursuance of aforesaid information, a team approached the same for search for the aforesaid place, however, nobody was available at the plot and the gate of the premises was found locked, since, there was an apprehension that the smuggled betel nuts may be removed therefrom any time, therefore, notice under section 163 of the customs act, 1969 issued the deputy director ASO was pasted on the entrance gate of the aforesaid plot and completed the legal formalities.
He further submitted that during the search of the premises, customs officials found 25, 345 kilograms betel nuts worth Rs20, 276,000 which were taken into customs custody and seized as well.
He argued that since neither anyone claimed the ownership of the said recovered goods, nor produced legal import documents in support of lawful import/ passion.
He added that it is pertinent to mention here that recovery, counting, weighment, transportation etc due to insufficient facilities and public holiday (Kashmir day), consumed considerable time, which caused delay in the lodging FIR.
After the hearing, court took FIR into court record and directed him to complete investigation and submit progress report for next date of hearing.
