KARACHI: The Customs Court granted after arrest bail to suspect namely Shahzad son of Muhammad Hashim and directed him to make sure his appearance on next date of hearing or otherwise, who was arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle non duty paid foreign origin betel nuts.
On 3 September 2020, investigation officer of MCC Enforcement & Compliance appeared before the court and submitted interim charge sheet and stated that on actionable information, customs team intercepted a Hino mini truck bearing registration no TAK-752 (Lasbella) and during search, customs officials recovered 1100 kilogram foreign origin betel nuts in loose condition worth Rs1,100,000.
He stated that after the formalities, first information report (FIR) has been lodged and above mentioned suspect was taken into customs custody, he said that prosecution needs further investigation for arrest of other culprits.
After the hearing, suspect also submitted after arrest bail application and his counsel argues that his client is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case, who is ready to face trail, therefore, court may grant his bail till final judgment in this case.
According to the prosecution, case was registered against them for violation of under section 2(3, 7) 2(9), 2(14) (a) 3,6,7,8 (1) (a) & (d) 8A ,22(1) and 73 of the sales tax act, 1990 punishable under section 33 (3) (5) (8) (11c) (13) (16) (18) ibid.
