KARACHI: The Customs, Investigation and Prosecution, Preventive, submitted interim challan before Special Customs, Taxation and Anti Smuggling Court in a case of smuggling 124800 bottles of whisky and beer against six “Khalasis” (laborers) in custody besides six absconding accused.
According details available with Custom News, on tip off, Customs Preventive informed the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency which raided a wooden boat coming from Fujairah, U.A.E to Karachi and arrested the accused namely Murad Baloch, Noor Muhammad, Muhammad, Sabzal Ragam alias Musafir and Raheemullah.
The PMSA officials handed over the accused to Custom Preventive. During interrogation, the accused revealed the abatement and complicity of the abscondi9ng accused Lukman resident of Pasni, Naseer, Murad Jan, Shabbir, Nawaz and Nagul. The accused told investigators that badal Younus which sank during operation by the PMSA was owned by Lukman who also arranged loading of crates containing Whisky, Gin(6400 bottles of I litre each) and Beer 6400 cans.
The total value of contraband seized was estimated to be rupees 38, 450, 600. The smuggling was intentional and committed knowingly by the accused in custody and absconding accused for monetary gains and fall within the purview of section 2 (s) and 178 of the Customs Act 1969 punishable under section 156 (1) and (8) of Customs Act 1969, the interim charge sheet said adding that efforts are on to arrest the absconding accused.