KARACHI: The Customs Court granted after-arrest bail to suspect namely Muhammad Umair son of Abdul Jabbar, who was involved in a case of attempting to contraband smuggling of 14,244 kilograms betel nuts.
On May 7, 2019, counsel for the suspect moved bail after arrest and argued that his counsel has been implicated in this case, who is ready to face trial, therefore, court may grant his after arrest bail till final verdict in this case.
After the hearing, court granted his bail against the surety of Rs100,000 and directed him to appear on next date of hearing along with progress report.
According to the prosecution, on an actionable information that a considerable quantity of smuggled betel nuts has been dumped at a godown-cum-shop situated at Goasht Market, Moin Plaza, Karachi for cutting and would likely to be removed from that premises shortly, pursuant of said information, customs team conducted the raid and search accordingly.
Investigation officer submitted that during the raid above-mentioned suspect told that the owner of shop is Kaloo and as a customer he also handed over 30 bags to him for cutting purpose. As there was specific information with regard to dumping of smuggled betel nuts, it was considered inevitable to conduct the search of the premises instantly.
He further informed the court that during the search team recovered 280 bags of assorted size containing total 14,244 kilograms assorted betel nuts worth Rs2,831,707.
Investigation officer said that after the formalities, goods were seized and said suspect was also taken into custody. He argued that prosecution needs further investigation and arrested of owner of godown and remaining betel nuts, therefore, court may send him back to customs department.
