KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has directed investigation officer of Customs Collectorate Preventive’s Anti-Smuggling Organization to complete investigations and submit charge-sheet in a case of attempting to smuggle contraband betel nuts, gutkha etc.
On Monday, the investigation officer appeared before the court and sought time to submit final charge-sheet in the case; therefore, the court granted time and adjourned the matter.
Earlier, the investigation officer produced first information report (FIR) and submitted that on a credible information, a team of ASO intercepted a passenger bus bearing registration number BSA-844 near Northern Bypass Super Highway, Karachi and during detail examination, recovered 61 PP bags containing total 1410-kilogram betel nuts valuing at Rs332,760 from cavities made inside the ceiling of the bus, 65 PP bags containing 3250 packets of Safina brand gutkha (made in India), 325,000 pouches and 05 PP bags containing 250 packets of Z-21 brand gutkha (made in India) total 25000 pouches valuing at Rs7,000,000.
He further stated that after complete examination, the said goods were seized and first information report was lodge against owner of said bus and goods.
He argued that notices under section 171 of the Customs Act, 1969 have been displayed on the notice board at ASO/HQ NMB Wharf, Karachi and efforts are also continuing to arrest the absconding accused persons and their accomplices.
The case was registered against unknown persons by complainant Muhammad Usman, Preventive Officer, Customs House Karachi for violation of Section 2 (s), 156 (2), 157 (2) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clause 8 & 89 of Section 156 (1) ibid read with Section 3 (1) of Imports & Exports Control Act, 1950.
