KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has sent a suspect, Baz Muhammad son of Dost Muhammad, to the Customs Department on physical remand. The suspect is booked for attempting to smuggle 350 tortoises, said to be Central Asian Tortoise or Afghan Tortoise, “Testudo Horsfieldi” worth Rs 1,750,000.
During the hearing, investigation officer informed the court that the officials of the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted the suspect, who was carrying tortoises in five wooden crates. He had brought tortoises from Balochistan.
He further informed that after formalities, the tortoises were taken into custody and the accused was arrested. He added that the prosecution needs further investigation from the accused for collection of concrete evidences, therefore, the court may send him back on physical remand.
After his arguments, court sent back him to customs department and directed investigation officer to produce him on next date of hearing along with progress report.
According to the prosecution, case was registered in violation of section 2 (s) 16 and 178 read with import/ export control act, 1950, further read with Baluchistan and Sindh Wild Protection Ordinance, 1972 etc, punishable under clauses 8, 9 and 89 of section 156 of the Customs Act 1969.
