KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate of Appraisement East submitted a First Information Report (FIR) before the customs court against owners/ partners of M/s Insiya Packaging, Muhammad Hanif, proprietor of M/s Getco Agencies and others. The suspects were booked in a case of fraudulent clearance of restricted imported goods “fireworks” in the garb of raw material for processing at Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ).
During the hearing, investigation officer appeared before the court and submitted initial report and informed the court that during the investigation and circumstances, it is established that the importers, with the active connivance of their clearing agent and other associates, have deliberately mis-declared description of the impugned goods and tried to replace the imported goods with other ones with the intent to get illegal clearance of the restricted items. He said that they also tried to evade legitimate amount of duties and taxes to the tune of Rs 957,996.
He further informed the court that a gang of culprits is engaged since long in illegal removal of the imported goods en route to KEPZ in an organized manner with the connivance of some black sheep in the department, role of tracking company is also very much suspicious in this case.
Investigation officer stated that case was registered against them for violation of under section 2 (s) 16, 32A, 79 and 121 of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clauses 8 (i) 9, 14A, 43, 44, 45 and 63 of section 156 (1) ibid read with allied laws procedures and prosecution is trying its best for arrest of above mentioned suspects.
After the hearing, court taken FIR into court record and directed him to complete investigation and submit charge sheet against above mentioned suspects on next date of hearing.