KARACHI: The Customs Court extended physical remand of suspects namely Ziaullah, Qayoom Khan, Wajid Ali, Haseebullah, Israr and Allah Bux and sent them back to customs department, who were booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 9180 kilograms betel nuts.
On January 14, 2019, investigation officer of Customs Appraisement produced the above-mentioned suspects and informed that on credible information, customs officials intercepted seven oil tankers bearing registration numbers: TTC-132, TUD-418, TTD-237, TTC-793, TMD-310, TUD-412 and TTD-180 and recovered betel nuts containing 197 ‘kattas’.
He said that during the investigation, suspects told that they are labourers and doing the job of loading and unloading of the Iranian HSD. On physical checking/examination, four underground tankers were installed there which were found empty, 07 empty oil tankers with fake logos and number of reputable oil marketing companies were also parked there, 14 generators of different companies and 197 ‘kattas’ and 02 drums of foreign betel nuts were also recovered.
He argued that prosecution needs further investigations from them for the arrest of other culprits, therefore, the court may extend the physical remand. After the hearing, the court extended their physical remand and directed investigation officer to produce them on the next date of hearing along with the progress report.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of Section 2(s) 16, 157 of the Customs Act, read with Section 3(1) of Imports and Exports Control Act, 1950 further read with SRO 499(1)/2009 dated 06.06.2009 and SRO 566(1)/2005 dated 06.06.2005 punishable under Clauses (8) & (89) of Section 156 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969 and Section 157 (2) of the Customs Act, 1969.
