KARACHI: The Customs Court granted bail to suspect namely Javed Ahmed Chhajro son of Muhammad Usman, proprietor of M/s Star Traders, who was booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty-paid 18,792 kilograms betel nuts and other contraband goods.
On November 12, counsel for the accused argued that his client is innocent and is falsely implicated in this case, who is ready to face trial and giving assurance to appear each and every date of hearing.
After the hearing, court granted him bail against the surety of Rs200,000 and directed him to appear before the court on next date of hearing.
According to the prosecution, on a spot information received to the effect that a Nissan trawler bearing registration no: TLD-630 loaded with container carrying smuggled/non-duty paid betel nuts in the garb of second hand used shoes (worn articles) cleared from the AICT (Al-Hamad International Container Terminal), is parked at open yard at Gulbai Village S.I.T.E Maripur Karachi for unloading purpose.
As per First Information Report (FIR), a team of Customs Preventive raided the same and found 18,792 kilogram betel nuts, 440 kilogram second hand used shoes of assorted size and brand worth Rs8,609,956.
A case was registered against the above-mentioned suspects and others as violation of Section 2(s), 156 (2) and 178 of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under Clauses 8 & 89 of Section 156 (1) ibid read with Section 3 (1) of Imports & Export Control Act, 1950.