KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has awarded 16 days imprisonment and Rs 50,000 fine each to women smugglers, Samina Rafiq wife of Rafiq Ahmed Ansari and Shahina Sattar daughter of Sattar Ahmed, on pleading guilty. The two were booked in separate cases of attempting to smuggle contraband mobile phones and auto parts from Dubai to Karachi. In default of payment of fine, they shall go through further two months imprisonment in Central Jail Karachi.
During the hearing, both accused women appeared before the court and moved application for pleading guilty, therefore, the court framed charges against them and read over and explained to the said accused in language which they understand very well viz Urdu and they were asked if they want to plead guilty to the charge or claim to be tried, both replied in pleading guilty and left themselves on the mercy of the court.
After the hearing, the court awarded 16 days imprisonment (already undergone period) and Rs 50,000 fine each of the two women.
According to the prosecution, on credible information, staff of the customs department intercepted the ladies at Jinnah International Airport Karachi and recovered non-duty paid 47 numbers Samsung mobile phones, 18 numbers LG mobile phones, 3 auto parts 20 kilograms worth Rs. 14, 52,000 from accused Samina Rafiq’s possession and 45 numbers, Samsung mobile phones, 25 numbers empty boxes of mobile phones valuing of Rs9,61,000 from Shahina Sattar’s possession.
During the investigation, women accused were asked to produce legal documents, however, they failed the show any lawful documents, therefore, after the formalities, customs authorities seized the same goods and arrested both ladies.
Two cases were registered against them in violation of under section 2 (s) 16 and 139 of the Customs Act 1969 punishable under clauses (8) (9) & 70 of section 156 (i) ibid.
