KARACHI: The Customs Court directed investigation officer to arrest owner, financer, abettors, associates and others, who were nominated in first information report (FIR) in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid contraband goods.
On 17 July 2020, investigation officer submitted first information report (FIR) before the court and informed that on an actionable information, a team headed by deputy collector Enforcement & Compliance Hqrs-I reached at indentified place and found that no one present at the said shed, however, during the search of shed, customs officials found 600 blocks wrapped with pp bags bearing marks A.A each block containing cutch (katha) weighing 25 kg, total weighing 15,000 kg valuing of Rs15,000,000 and 1100 blocks wrapped with pp bags, each block containing cutch (katha) weighing 25 kg, total weighing 27,500 kg valuing Rs27,500,000, total value of goods is Rs42,500,000.
He further submitted that after the formalities, first information report (FIR) has been lodged and the above mentioned goods also seized by the customs authority and notice under section 171 of customs act, 1969 has been issued and also displayed on notice board at Customs House Karachi for the owners of the seized goods, efforts are underway to arrest the persons involved in the crime.
After the hearing court taken FIR on court record and directed investigation officer to arrest absconding suspects, financiers, abettors and others and produce them before the court.
According to the prosecution, case was registered against them for violation of under section 2(3, 7) 2(9), 2(14) (a) 3,6,7,8 (1) (a) & (d) 8A ,22(1) and 73 of the sales tax act, 1990 punishable under section 33 (3) (5) (8) (11c) (13) (16) (18) ibid.