KARACHI: The Customs Court extended physical remand of suspect namely Nadeem Ahmed son of Noor Bux and directed investigation officer to arrest absconding suspects, who were allegedly involved smuggling of 16,000 kilograms crushed betel nuts valuing of Rs8,000,000.
On July 29, 2019, investigation officer produced the above mentioned suspect before the court and informed that on an actionable information, customs officials intercepted a Hino truck bearing registration number TAM-251 and recovered 385 PP bags each containing 40 kilograms foreign origin betel nuts total 15,400 kg and 20 PP bags each containing 30 kg foreign origin betel nuts total 600 kg.
He further submitted that during the search, driver was asked to produce any document, however, he fails to produce any lawful documents, therefore, after the formalities, goods along with vehicle were seized and shifted to customs house Karachi and suspect also was taken into custody.
He further argued that prosecution needs further investigation from him for arrest of financers, abettors and others including owner of impugned goods and vehicle, therefore, court may send him back to customs lock-up, after the hearing, court approved his physical remand and directed investigation officer to produce him on next date of hearing along with progress report.
According to the prosecution, case was registered by complainant Manzoor Ahmed, senior preventive officer, Customs House Karachi for violation of under section 2 (s) (15) (16) of the Customs Act 1969 punishable under clause (89) of section 156 (i) ibid read with section 156 (2) of the Customs Act, 1969 further read with Section 3 (1) of Imports & Export Control Act, 1950.