KARACHI: The Customs Court framed charge against suspect namely Waseem Imtiaz Ali son of Imtiaz Ali, owner of contraband goods, who was booked in smuggling of 17, 105 kg foreign origin Katha worth Rs17,105,000 and 2820 kilogams of Wangsa Kristal Palm Fat worth Rs212,064.
On 8 December 2020, above mentioned suspect appeared before the court along with his counsel and during the court proceedings, court framed charge against him and asked weather plea guilty or not, after framing charge, he denied for plead guilty, therefor, court issued notices to prosecution witnesses and called them for evidence for next date of hearing.
Earlier, investigation officer of customs preventive submitted progress report and stated that on actionable information, customs officials raided at godown no 407 Zia Mor near Labour Square, S.I.T.E Karachi and recovered 311 slabs of foreign origin cutch (katha) wrapped in pp bags bearing marks as Product of Myanmar, further packed IN wooden cases total kg of 17,105 valuing of Rs17,105,000 and 141 cartons containing Wangsa Kristal Palm Fat made in Malaysia each carton weighing 20 kg total 2820 kg valuing of Rs. 212,064.
He further submitted that after the formalities, customs officials seized the goods and as no one came forward to claim the ownership of the impugned goods neither any document to substantiate the lawful import/ procurement/ purchase and storage of foreign origin goods have been produced by any one.
Investigation officer further stated that a suspect Waseem Imtiaz Ali son of Imtiaz Ali, owner of contraband goods is on bail and further investigation is being done and a progress report will be produced when completed.
After the hearing, the court approved the charge sheet and directed the investigation officer to complete the investigation and submit the charge sheet on the next date of hearing.
