KARACHI: The Customs Court on Wednesday directed the investigation officer to complete investigation and submit a charge sheet against a suspect, Sohail Ali, proprietor of M/s Ajmair Impex, Lahore. The suspect allegedly imported betel nuts in the garb of galvanized plain sheets and evaded duties and taxes through mis-declaration.
According to details, some other suspects were also involved in the smuggling of betel nuts and cases would be registered against them after investigations.
During the hearing, the investigation officer of the Customs Collectorate of Appraisement East submitted another First Information Report (FIR) against the suspect and informed that Sohail Ali had deliberately mis-declared description of the impugned goods with the intent to get illegal clearance of the restricted items and avoid duties and taxes to the tune of Rs 3,978,755.
He further informed the court that, they have, thus, contravened provisions 2 (s) 16, 32A, 79 and 121 of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clauses 1, 8 (i) 9, 14A, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 63 of section 156 (i) ibid read with allied laws and procedure, reportedly, a gang of culprits is engaged since long in illegal removal of the imported transshipment goods en route to final destination in an organized manner.
Investigation officer submitted that consequent upon approval of the competent authority, this first information report is lodged by complainant Muhammad Bilal, Appraising officer, Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement East, Customs House Karachi accordingly for in-depth investigation into the matter.
After his arguments, court taken First Information Report into on court record and directed him to complete investigation and submit charge sheet against them on next date of hearing.
