KARACHI: The Customs Court dismissed after arrest bail of suspects namely Abid Ashraf, Shams-ur-Rahman and Amash Shahid and sent them back to jail, who were booked in Toyota Hilux Surf jeep and alleged smuggling of heavy vehicles.
On October 14, 2019, investigation officer of Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) submitted interim charge sheet against them and informed that during the investigation, it was revealed that the above mentioned suspects had been running illegal business of smuggled vehicles without any fear since long. Therefore, it was felt imperative that there must be some incriminating material relating to the sale, purchase and registration of the smuggled vehicle.
He further submits that during the raid, customs team found 64 apparently fake vehicle registration number plates, 45 apparently fake vehicle registration books/ coupons, 6 blank registration books, 2 apparently fake excise department stamps, 25 apparently fake vehicle registration files.
He further revealed that during the course of investigation it transpired that the said accused along with others were running business of smuggled vehicles since long, the role of Shams-ur-Rahman and Amash Shahid was to take delivery of smuggled vehicles from Chaman border and to safely transport them to Karachi for onward delivery to the potential buyers, and they used to run business through social media account, Facebook and whattspp.
During the hearing, above mentioned suspects also moved bail applications, however, after the arguments from both sides, court dismissed their after arrest bail and sent them to jail.
According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of section 2(s) of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clauses (89) of section 156 (1) further read with Section 156(2) ibid.