KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer of Intelligence & Investigation-FBR to complete investigation and submit progress report against owners/ partners/ associates/ financiers/ masterminds, those who are involved in first information report (FIR) for smuggling of huge quantity of contraband goods total valuing of Rs12, 767,716.
On 5 March 2021, investigation officer submitted FIR and informed the court that in pursuance of the information, joint operation was launched by the teams of this directorate and SHO Sachal Police team, Karachi at dumping stores at Sohrab Goth Bus Terminal, Karachi.
He further informed the court that during the search, customs officials found 12,690 kg betel nuts. 2,112 pcs Pears Soap. 504 cans of Beverage Cane (Coca-Cola). 1656 cans of Red Bull Energy Drink. 20,000 sticks of PINE Cigarettes. 20,000 sticks of Platinum Cigarettes. 17, 500 pouches of Tara Naswar. 120 kg Paid Lock. 996 sticks of Sensodyne Toothpaste and other smuggled goods.
He further informed the court that efforts are underway to ascertain the owners and arrest all the culprits, the role of others accomplices/ associates-in-crime/ abettors, including their possible sympathizers/ supporters within the government departments, will be determined during investigation of the case.
After the hearing, court takes FIR into court record and directs investigation officer to complete investigation and submit progress report on next date of hearing.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of under section 2(s) & 16 of the customs act, 1969, punishable under clauses (8) (i) (a) & (89) of sub-section (i) and sub-section (2) of section 156 ibid, read with section 3(i) and 3 (iii) of the imports & exports (control) act, 1950.
