KARACHI: Custom Court Judge Faiz Rasool Rashdi on Monday sent three suspects, Mohammed Iqbal, Mst Kulsoom and Saima Fazal, to jail on judicial remand in a case of attempting to smuggle contraband pure gold, as well as national and foreign currency worth Rs 13.618 million.
On Monday, the investigating officer (IO) produced three suspects, including two women before the Customs Court and submitted that the investigation has not been completed against them as yet; therefore, the court may extend the police remand. However, the court denied his request and sent all three accused to jail on judicial custody.
The court also directed the investigation officer to complete the investigation challan on or before next date of hearing.
According to the prosecution, on a credible information, passengers, who were travelling in a group from Karachi to Dubai by Emirates Airlines Flight No EK -605, were intercepted at customs counter for examination of their baggage and they were asked to declare whether they were caring any contraband goods like gold, currency, etc on which they all replied in negative.
However, during the examination, customs authorities found pure gold bangles weighing 2350 grams valuing Rs 10.476 million, Saudi Riyal 99,500 and UAE Dirham 13,000 worth Rs 3.142 million.
According to the FIR, after completing all legal formalities, accused persons were arrested and case no p-08/2016 – JIAP (Departure) was registered on violation of Section 2 (5),16 and 178 of the Customs Act, 1969, punishable under Section (8) of 89 of Section 156 (i) ibid