ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has rejected an application in Smart Zone and TCS smuggling case, seeking release of items confiscated by the Customs Intelligence on the payment of duty/taxes and additional surety bonds.
As per details, Customs Intelligence Deputy Director Afzaal Watto presented strong arguments before the court that caused of rejection of the application.
The company had filed the application before the IHC, stating that the Customs Intelligence confiscated the items worth millions of rupees two year ago and the case is still under-trial before Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling and Customs Adjudication.
It added that the trial could be prolonged and there were chances of damaging of machinery. It further stated that items, including refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, LCDs, air conditioners, etc were laying at warehouse from two years and the demurrage could cause a huge loss to the company.
Therefore, the company showed willingness before the court to pay duty/taxes and surety bonds for the release of seized items in order to overcome the losses.
On the other hand, the Customs Intelligence argued that the company imported the items illegally, adding that stickers of Afghan Transit Trade were pasted on some items. The department further stated that the company allegedly unloaded the ATT goods herein Pakistan which were being supplied to different dealers through TCS courier service.
The officials also presented a contravention report stating that the seized items were case property that could not be released. If company has documents regarding legal import of the items, these will be released, it further stated. After hearing the arguments, the court rejected the plea of Smart Zone.
It may be mention here that Smart Zone is a sole company which has authority to sell products of Samsung.
