KARACHI: The Customs Court granted bail to suspects namely Saleem Khan, Zohaib Ali Shah, Rehman Khan and Saddam Hussain against surety of Rs100,000 each and directed suspects to appear before the court for further proceedings, who were nominated in first information report (FIR) and absconders booked for offence of illegally removing seized smuggled goods.
On 25 March 2022, during the hearing, counsel for the accused persons appeared before the court and argued that his clients are innocent and have been falsely booked in this case, who are ready to submit surety as bail guarantee, therefore, court may grant their bail till final judgment in this case.
Earlier, investigation officer had submitted progress report and informed the court that on a credible information was received that some unscrupulous elements are engaged in stealing and clandestinely removing seized smuggled/ non-duty paid goods liable to confiscation from the customs warehouse-III, Kemari, Karachi.
He further informs the court that customs officials visited the said spot and recovered 64 Nos of dandas of assorted brand foreign origin seized smuggled/ non-duty paid cigarettes valuing of Rs. 160,000 and Nos 12 of pp bags containing foreign origin seized/ non-duty paid betel nuts (each pp bag weighing 25k) total weight 300 kg valuing of Rs1,50,000.
Investigation officer argues that one suspect was arrested on the spot, however, others are absconders and the prosecution team is trying its best for their arrest. He assured the court that they will be produced before the court when arrested.
Case for registering for offence of illegally removing seized smuggled goods liable to confiscation from customs state warehouse action for which is provided under clauses (59) of section 156(i) of the customs act, 1969 read with section 178 ibid.
