FAISALABAD: Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed ordered the release of foreign origin poppy seeds, groundnuts on the payment of duties and taxes along with a redemption fine equivalent to 20 percent of the appraised value besides directing that Nisaan trailer be released against the fine of Rs40000.
As per details, Customs ASO Mianwali Deputy Collector received a tip-off that an attempt would be made to smuggle the poppy seeds (10,800-kg) groundnuts (2392-kg) from Peshawar into Multan against the bilty No: 2850 loaded on Nissan trailer No: E-9398.
To check the authenticity of the information in hand, a raiding party set up a picket near Dagil, district Bhakkar, and intercepted the same trailer. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of seeds and groundnuts. Driver, identified as Ubaid Ullah son of Naz Walay, produced different bilties issued by the truck stand of the Frontier Lahore Goods Transport Company. But he could not prove the legal import or lawful possession of the recovered items.
Therefore officials impounded the trailer along with the recovered items and a case was sent to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action. The respondents submitted an application 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.
Deputy 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 Rs150000 therefore violation of Section 2(S) (II) of the Customs Act-1969 is not established.
Keeping in view the abovementioned 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 deputy collector also ordered the release of the vehicle by imposing Rs40000 fine and issued Order-In-Original ONO No: 117/2017 on 31-7-2017.
