KARACHI: The Customs Court granted pre-arrest bail to suspects namely Muhammad Shafique Ahmed Qureshi, Khalid Ahmed, Abdul Moiz Majeed Bawany, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle 27000 kilograms betel nuts.
On December 07, 2018, counsel for the above-mentioned suspects filed bail petition and argued that his clients are innocents and ready to face trial; therefore, the court may grant their bail till final judgment in this case.
After hearing, the court granted their bail against the surety of Rs100,000 and directed them to join investigations if and when required by investigation officer of the case. The court also issued notice to special prosecutor customs and sought police papers. The court also directed them to appear on next date of hearing for confirmation of bail.
According to interim charge-sheet, on an actionable information, a team of customs department recovered betel nuts from two containers which arrived from Jebel Ali UAE in the name of importer/ consignee M/s Sun Gravure, Export Processing Zone, Karachi and first information report (FIR) was lodged accordingly.
Investigation officer further submitted that foregoing facts and circumstances of the case established that the absconding suspects with all due deliberations and with active collaboration of their associates have committed an offense which attracts the provisions of Section 2 (s) 16, 156 (2) and 178 of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable Clauses (8) (9) & (89) of Section 156 (1) ibid.
He further argued that all the evidences gathered against the above-said culprits in earlier charge-sheet, submitted in case no: ASO 305/2018 may also be treated as integral part of this charge-sheet, as the investigations of the case is still under way, therefore, it is prayed that further time may please be granted.
After hearing, the court took challan on record and issued non-bailable warrants against absconding suspects.
