KARACHI: The Customs Court sent suspects namely Syed Kabeer Agha son of Syed Haji and Muhammad Siddiq son of Abdul Ahad, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 2900 kilogram betel nuts, to customs department on physical remand.
On November 12, 2018, investigation officer of Customs Preventive produced the above-mentioned suspects along with First Information Report (FIR) before the court and informed that on actionable information, a Hino truck bearing registration number no: E-3251 was intercepted by Customs Preventive team.
He submitted that during the search, customs officials found 145 crates each containing 20 kilogram foreign-origin betel nuts (total 2900 kilogram) under the cover load of apples worth Rs768,500. Fifty crates each containing 50 packets of hot filter khaini (made in India) and each packet containing 35 pouches, total 87500 pouches 175 kilogram worth Rs1,321,500.
He further informed the court that during the raid, the accused were asked to produce lawful documents, which they failed to produce; therefore, the said goods were seized and suspects were taken into custody.
He argued that prosecution needs further investigation from said accused; therefore, the court may grant their physical remand. After hearing, the court granted their physical remand and directed investigation officer to produce them on next date of hearing along with progress report.
