KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi on Thursday took first information report on the court record and directed the investigation officer to complete investigation and submit charge sheet against absconders, who were booked for attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 696 gunny bags containing 9,392 bottles of alcohol and 4,518 cans of beer through wooden launch.
During the hearing, the investigation officer of Customs Collectorate of Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization Headquarters N.M.B Wharf, Karachi, submitted FIR before the court. He submitted that the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) tried to stop the launch, but the suspects fled away on a speed boat and made a hole in the launch which ultimately sank in the deep sea.
The Investigation officer further informed the court that some gunny bags were recovered from the sinking launch by the MSA personnel. Later, he said the PSMA authorities handed over the gunny bags containing alcohol and beer worth Rs 69.5 million to the Customs Department.
He argued that customs issued notice under section 171 of the Customs Act, 1969 regarding seizure of goods has been issued and displayed on the notice board, customs house/ ASO/HQ NMW, Karachi.
Case was registered against absconders violation of under section 2 (s) 156 (2) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969, punishable under clauses (8) of section 156 (1) ibid. After the hearing, court directed investigation officer to submit charge sheet in the same FIR on next date of hearing.
