KARACHI: The Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi directed investigation officer to complete investigations and submit charge sheet against suspects who are booked in a case of smuggled/ non-duty paid Toyota Hilux Surf and allegedly involved in evading taxes around Rs52,87,370.
During the hearing investigation officer produced FIR and submitted that on credible information a team was constituted to watch and intercept the vehicle. The Custom’s team found the Toyota Hilux Surf, bearing Registration No: CP-0693 as a result of strict surveillance in Gulbai area, and spotted said vehicle parked near Gulbai location and occupant/driver of the vehicle introduced himself as Muhammad Nadeem son of Allah Ditta to the visiting team. He was asked to produce the documents to substantiate the lawful import, procurement and possession of the said vehicle.
He further submitted that vehicle was taken into possession in the presence of musheers namely Sepoy Mohsin Mughal and Sepoy Anisuddin under mushirnama prepared on the spot and escorted at ASO/HQ, NMB Wharf, Karachi, for detail examination and investigation and forensic test report, confirmed that no other number has been deciphered under the present chassis serial. It also shows that M/s PRAL Customs, User Support Group, Custom House Karachi, clarified that no record was found against the import of said vehicle and MRA Karachi has responded vide letter No ETO/MRA(OR-A)4483 and intimated that origin file of vehicle had already been returned to its registered owner and provided computer-based detail report.
Therefore vehicle has been seized and case was registered against Muhammad Nadeem (occupant/driver) and Muhammad Yaqoob (both absconder) for violating Section 2(s) and 32 and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clause (8) and (89) of Section 156(I) ibid.
The FIR also mentioned that notices under U/s 171 of the Customs Act, 1969, have been issued to the people involved in this matter while investigation was in progress to unearth and arrest the absconder accused involved in this act of forgery and smuggling.
