KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi on Friday granted the prosecution further time to complete investigations and submit charge sheet against Sohail Ali, proprietor of M/s Ajmair Impex Lahore, and others who were allegedly attempted to smuggle betel nuts in the garb of galvanized plain sheets.
During the hearing, investigation officer of Customs Collectorate of Appraisement East appeared before the court and submitted that prosecution needs further time to arrest the suspects and submit charge sheet against them, therefor, the court may grant time. After the hearing, the court granted time and directed him to complete investigation before the next date of hearing.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), it was established that the Sohail Ali had deliberately mis-declared description of the impugned goods with the intent to get illegal clearance of the restricted items also tried to evade duties and taxes of Rs 3.97 million.
Investigation Officer further informed the court that, they have, thus, contravened provisions 2 (s) 16, 32A, 79 and 121 of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clauses 1, 8 (i) 9, 14A, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 63 of section 156 (i) ibid read with allied laws and procedure, reportedly, a gang of culprits is engaged since long in illegal removal of the imported transshipment goods en route to final destination in an organized manner.
