KARACHI: The Customs Court granted bail to absconding suspect namely Muhammad Umair son of Muhammad Arif, who was booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid foreign-origin cigarettes, flavored sheesha tobacco etc.
On December 14, 2018, counsel for the suspect filed pre-arrest bail petition and argued that his client is ready to face trial; therefore, court may grant him bail. After the hearing, court granted him bail against the surety of Rs200,000 and issued notices to special prosecutor of customs and investigation officer for next date of hearing. Court also directed accused to appear before the court for confirmation or otherwise.
Earlier, investigation officer of Customs Preventive submitted interim challan and informed the court that on actionable information, a team of customs department raided at M/s Faheem Industries Plot No 275 Sector-27, Korangi Industrial Area Karachi and founds 300 dandas (long packages) Manchester (United Kingdom) cigarettes, 350 dandas Pride King size Class-A cigarettes tradition blend of Germany, 2250 dandas Pine Light cigarettes made in Korea, 1100 dandas Violet Slim Menthol cigarettes (for duty free sale only produced as required by the consumer in EU), 200 dandas assorted brand foreign origin cigarettes total valuing of Rs2,115,000.
He submitted that team also found 4900 boxes 1287.3kg sheesha flavor valuing at Rs1,960,000. One container and one trawler bearing registration no JT-5103 and after formalities, customs officials taken all goods into custody and registered first information report.
He argued that investigation in undergone and progress report will be submitted when completed. After hearing, the court accepted interim charge sheet and issued non-bailable warrants against absconding suspects.
Case was registered for violation of under Section 2 (s) 156 (2) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clause 89 of Section 156 (i) ibid read with Section 3 (i) of Imports & Exports Control Act, 1950.
