KARACHI: The Customs Court has directed the customs officials to arrest Muhammad Arshad, proprietor of M/s City Steel UAE Mills (Private) Limited, Ismail Kalodi, owner of M/s AF Enterprises, and others who were absconder in a betel nuts smuggling case.
During the hearing, investigation officer of Customs Collectorate Port Muhammad Bin Qasim informed the court that the suspects were involved in mis-declaration of betel nuts and a case was registered against them for violation of customs laws.
Investigation officer further informed that during the investigation, it has been established that said the suspects, in collusion with other accomplices in crime, indulged in smuggling of contraband betel nuts under the garb of iron and steel re-meltable pressed bundles scrap. Hence they have, individually and collectively, violated the provisions of the customs laws.
He further informed the court that case was registered against the above mentioned suspects and investigation of the case is in progress to unearth the all sinister elements involved in this crime.
After the hearing, court has taken FIR into court record and directed investigation officer to complete investigation including arrest of suspects and file progress report on next date of hearing.
Case was registered against them for violation of under section 2 (s) 16, 32 (1) & (2) 32 A, 79, 80 and 178 of the customs act, 1969 read with import and export policy order 2016 punishable under section 156 (1) (8) (89) (9) (14) (43) (44) & 156 (2) ibid read with section 3, 6, 7A, 33, 34 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, further read with section 148 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
