MULTAN: Collectorate of Customs Investigation and Prosecution (I&P) branch has lodged FIR against suspects involved in smuggling of foreign-origin betel nuts and raisins seized by Anti-Smuggling Organization.
The Customs Collectorate Enforcement and Compliance Multan has foiled smuggling attempt after receiving secret information from source that suspected trucks near Muzaffargarh which was loaded with huge quantity of gutka (Safina) brand and resins coming from Dera Ghazi Khan Region. Customs Anti-Smuggling teams took immediate action on the direction of Collector Fayyaz Anwar and intercepted truck bearing registration number of C-3426/Bannu.
Customs anti-smuggling squad recovered 1024 bags and every bag was packed with almost 50 packets which were packed in different sacks during the examination of trucks. Recovered Gutka brand Safina was Indian Origin and it was transported in the country through Chaman to Wagha Border under the garb of Afghan Transit Trade. The net value of recovered gutka and black raisins were worth almost Rs94.874 million.
Customs Investigation and Prosecution (I&P) branch has lodged smuggling case against accused M/s Haji Ismail & Company opposite Bank Alfalah near Commerce road Chamman, M/s Al-Tajjir & Co (Pvt) after thorough investigation. Customs Investigation and Prosecution team has also nominated M/s Kakar Trading Company for smuggling said betel nuts and resins in the jurisdiction.
Customs teams lodged FIR no.2/18 under section 2(s) ,16,18,178,157 (2) & 156(2 read section 187 of the Customs act 1969 along with SRO 566(I)/2005 against accused after initial interrogation and summoned them for further investigations in case.