FAISALABAD: Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Saima Ayaz ordered release of impounded foreign origin used Toyota Corolla car after payment of duty, taxes and fine equivalent to 20 percent of the appraised value.
According to the details, ASO of Sara-i-Muhajir received a tip-off regarding the smuggling of Toyota Corolla car bearing registration number: MNX-8800. They established a picket at M.M Alam Road and intercepted a Toyota Corolla car.
The driver of the said vehicle was later identified as Ghulam Murtaza. The ASO team asked to show documents regarding the legal import of vehicle but he failed to produce the same.
So the vehicle was impounded under Section 168 of the Customs Act 1969 after a proper documentation on the spot and a notice was served under Section 171 of the Customs Act 1969 Punishable under Section 156 (1)(89)(90) of the Act 1969 upon the said accused person.
The case was sent to the Customs Adjudication where respondent appeared in person and expressed his willingness to pay the taxable duty and taxes. He also requested that the vehicle may be released after reasonable fine.
Deputy Collector Adjudication Saima Ayaz reviewed the record of the case and considered verbal submissions put forth by the respondents and prosecution and came to a conclusion that the respondents have failed to provide valid legal documents regarding lawful import of the aforementioned seized foreign origin vehicle.
She decided to impound the vehicle under customs bylaws. She also granted option to the rightful owners in terms of Section 181 of the Customs Act 1969 to redeem the same on the payment of duty and taxes plus a redemption fine equivalent to 20 percent of the appraised value. She also ordered release of the aforementioned offending vehicle against a penalty of Rs50000.
