KARACHI: Customs Court sent suspects namely Ali Muhammad son of Mirza and Samiullah son of Muhammad Khan to customs department on physical remand who are arrested in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 45,080kg betel nuts.
On February 4, 2019, investigation officer produced the above-mentioned suspects before the court and informed that on actionable information, customs officials intercepted 05 Hino trucks bearing registration no: JU-0327, TKY-169, TKA-457, TKU-801 and TKL-462 and recovered 45,080 kilograms betel nuts worth Rs12,487,160 and 1400 kilogram J.M Gutka, worth Rs10,500,000.
He further submitted that one Toyota Premio Saloon bearing registration no APJ-885 used to snatch the Hino trucks loaded with impugned smuggled goods and also created obstruction/hindrance in exercising the officials duty of customs staff, however, two suspects have been arrested and prosecution needs further investigation from them for arrest of other culprits, therefore, court may grant their physical remand. After the hearing, court sent them to physical remand and directed investigation officer to produce them before the court on next date of hearing along with progress report.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation under section 2 (s) 156 (2) and 178 of customs act, 1969 punishable under clauses 89 and 85 of Section 156 (1) read with Section 3 of Import & Export Control Act, 1950.