KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to arrest owner/ financer/ abettors/ associates who were involved in a case of attempting to smuggling 327 slabs of cutch (katha) brands (KB, IWP, TWP, GKF, KU) wrapped in gunny bags packed in wooden cases weighing of 20,900 kg.
On 15 April 2020, during the hearing, investigation officer of Customs Collectorate Enforcement & Compliance Superintendent Preventive submitted first information report (FIR) before the court and informed that on credible information, customs officials raided at godown situated at basement of Junaid Centre, Napier Road, Jodia Bazaar, Karachi headed by a team by deputy collector of enforcement & compliance and the identified place.
He further informed the court that during the raid, they found 327 slabs of cutch (katha) brands (KB, IWP, TWP, GKF, KU) wrapped in gunny bags packed in wooden cases weighing of 20,900 kilograms, total valuing of Rs16,720,000, however, no one came forward to claimed the ownership of said goods, neither any document to substantiate the lawful import/ procurement/ purchase and storage of foreign origin impugned cutch was produced.
He further argued that therefore, impugned goods was seized in presence of musheers, under section 168 of the customs act, 1969 in violation of section 2(s) of customs act, 1969 punishable under section 156(1) (89) read with 156(2) ibid, further read with section 3(1) of import and export (control) act 1950, notice under section 171 of the customs act, 1969 has been displayed on notice board of customs house Karachi and for the owners of the seized goods, efforts are underway to arrest the persons involved in the crime.
After the hearing, court taken FIR into record and directed him to arrest and produce them those who are involved in this crime.
