ISLAMABAD: Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Ubaidullah has ordered to release the foreign origin soft drinks beverages on payment of duty/taxes plus a redemption fine equivalent to 30 percent of the appraised value.
According to the details, Islamabad Customs Preventive assistant ollector received credible information through customs superintendent that foreign origin soft drink would be smuggled from Peshawar by a Suzuki Pick up.
To check the veracity of aforesaid information, a raiding party held check post at Burhan interchange. The team intercepted vehicle for search that led to the recovery of foreign origin soft drinks. The officials asked driver and owner of the soft drinks named Sher Akbar and Fazal Akbar to show documents regarding legal import of the drinks but they failed to do the same.
After proper documentation, the soft drinks along with Suzuki vehicle used as conveyance for transportation of smuggled goods were impounded under the customs laws.
Prior to the issuance of show cause notice, the respondents submitted an application for release of aforementioned recovered goods and seized vehicle and requested for summary adjudication of the case. The respondents appeared in person and reiterated that whatever they had been stated in their aforesaid application may be considered as their contention/ arguments.
In his judgment, the deputy collector ordered for confiscation of the seized soft drink beverages in terms of Clause (89)(i) & (90) of Section 156(1) of the Customs Act,1969 read with Section 3(3) of Imports & Exports (Control) Act,1950.
Keeping in view the aforementioned facts, a lenient view is taken and an option is granted to the rightful owners in terms of Section 181 of the Customs Act, 1969 to redeem the same on payment of duty and taxes leviable thereon plus a redemption fine equivalent to 30 percent of the appraised value of seized drinks. He also ordered to release the vehicle by imposing fine of Rs 30,000.
