KARACHI: The investigations into the fraudulent import of betel nut in the garb of paper scrap are proceedings and the investigation authorities have identified appraising officer Mohammad Idress as the prime suspect in the scam.

The Anti-smuggling organization (ASO) of MCC Preventive Karachi lodged an FIR against M/s Al-Waheed Impex and others for fraudulently importing betel nut in the garb of paper scrap in order to clear the banned goods.

Involvement of Customs staff had been established in the case and a charge sheet against Deputy Collector Hamid Qambrani was prepared as Mohammad Idrees had told colleagues that Deputy Collector Hamid Qambrani forced him to file a report as per the declarations directing all investigations towards the officer.

However, investigations into the case revealed that Deputy Collector had not issued any such instructions instead Mohammad Idrees misguided the officer. It was a case of switch bill of lading and the consignment was mis-declared to be coming from Saudi Arabia instead of Dubai.

An official said paper scrap consignments coming from Saudi Arabia were taken leniently, while consignments coming from Dubai were thoroughly examined. Mohammad Idrees is set to retire in three months.

Initially the case involved Deputy Collector Qambrani, appraising officers Mohammad Idress, Imdad Ali Bozdar and Malik Sadabahar and Preventive Officer Amjad Laghari. All these officials joined the investigation into the case and Mohammad Idrees was found to be the only suspect.