FAISALABAD: Additional Collector Adjudication Asma Hameed ordered the release of foreign origin white zeera, dry garlic and small green cardamom after the payment of duties and taxes along with redemption fine equivalent to 20 percent of the appraised value.
As per details, ASO Sargodha recovered smuggle white zeera 1500 kilograms, dry garlic 1250 kilograms, small green cardamom 200 kilograms, from a Mazda truck bearing registration no: LES-09-4662 belonged to M/s Amer Karwan Goods Forwarding Agency Rawalpindi.
Driver of the vehicle who was later identified as Khalid Nazir son of Nazir Ahmed failed to produce any legal documents regarding import or lawful possession of the recovered items.
Therefore officials impounded the Mazda truck along with the recovered items and forwarded the case to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action. The respondents submitted their reply stating that they are ready to pay the duties and taxes on their confiscated items. They also requested the release of the vehicle on a reasonable fine.
Additional Collector Asma Hameed observed the appraised value of the seized items and two owners of the seized goods. The value when divided over two owners is less than the lawful limit of Rs1,50,000 therefore violation of Section 2(S) (II) of the Customs Act 1969 is not established.
Keeping in view the above-mentioned facts a lenient view is taken and an option is granted to the rightful owners in terms of Section 181 of the Customs Act 1969 to redeem the same on the payment of duties and taxes leviable thereon plus a redemption fine equivalent to 20 percent of the appraised value of seized goods. The additional collector also ordered the release of the vehicle by imposing Rs 50000 fine and issued Order-in-Original ONO No 129/2018 on 8-10-2018.
