KARACHI: The Customs Court sent suspects namely Ziaullah, Qayoom Khan, Wajid Ali, Haseebullah, Israr and Allah Bux to Customs Collectorate Appraisement East on physical remand, who were arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 9180 kilogram betel nuts.
On January 5, 2019, investigation officer of Appraisement East produced the above mentioned suspects and informed that on a credible information, customs team intercepted seven oil tankers bearing registration number TTC-132, TUD-418, TTD-237, TTC-793, TMD-310, TUD-412 and TTD-180 and recovered betel nuts containing 197 kattas.
He further submitted that during the investigation, suspects told that they are labourers and doing the job of loading and un-loading of the Iranian HSD, on physical checking/ examination four underground tanker were installed there which were found empty, 07 empty oil tankers with fake logos and number of reputable oil marketing companies were also parked there, 14 generators of different companies and 197 kattas and two drums of foreign betel nuts were also recovered.
He argued that prosecution needs further investigations from them for arrest of other culprits, therefore, court may grant their physical remand, after the hearing, court sent them to physical remand and directed investigation officer to produce them on next date of hearing along with progress report.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of section 2(s) 16, 157 of the customs act, read with section 3(1) of imports and exports control act, 1950 further read with SRO 499(1)/2009 dated 06.06.2009 and SRO 566(1)/2005 dated 06.06.2005 punishable under clauses (8) & (89) of section 156 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969 and section 157 (2) of the Customs Act, 1969.
