KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to complete investigation against suspect namely Zulfiqar, proprietor of M/s Zulfiqar Traders, who was involved in mis-declaration of description, quantity and import of banned items in the garb of new and used miscellaneous items, besides evasion of duties and taxes to the tune of Rs3,775,631.
On April 15, 2019, investigation officer informed that on credible information, a consignment of above-mentioned importer selected for joint examination before its gate out from port area by the staff of PICT Examination and R&D section.
He further submitted that during the examination ‘I lot old & used machinery’ weighing 27,000 kilograms was declared/self-assessed at total value of US$ 9,000 by the importer. Upon joint examination, instead of declared ‘I lot used machinery’ new speakers, new household scissors, new stainless steel nuts, bolts, stainless steel pipe fittings, flanges elbows, artificial jewelry, used circuit breakers, used air compressors, used valves used medical equipment and other miscellaneous goods worth US$ 50,581.25 were found in the container.
He said that it is established that above-mentioned importer has deliberately mis-declared goods with the intent to get illegal clearance of the banned items under the garb of transshipment cargo, and evading legitimate amount of duties and taxes to the tune of Rs 3,775,631.
He argued that role of the bonded carrier M/S Docks Private Limited and others involved in the offence is yet to be ascertained through investigation, consequent upon approval of the competent authority, this FIR is lodged accordingly for in-depth investigation into the matter.
After the hearing, court took FIR into its record and directed investigation officer to complete investigation and submit charge sheet on next date of hearing.
