Alleged gold smuggler released on bail

PESHAWAR: A special customs court judge has issued release order of a person on bail who had been arrested in the Peshawar Airport for smuggling 100 tola of gold in shoes from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan.

The special court judge Shoaib Khan, granted bail to the accused person after argument from both the sides.

During hearing, Gohar Rehman, counsel for the accused, submitted that the officials of Customs Department arrested Tahir Ali, son of Shireen Khan, a resident of Shawa Ada in Swabi district, on December 6 at Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar, when he was arriving Pakistan.

As per the first information report of the Customs Department, the accused person was allegedly snuggling the gold measuring 100 tola in shape of 10 biscuits in his shoes.

The lawyer submitted before the court that he was charged under Section 156 of Customs Act, which is bailable.

He argued that he was carrying the gold not for illegal business but wedding and prayed the court to issue his release order on bail. The public prosecutor opposed the bail.

The court after hearing arguments issued an order for release of the accused on bail, directing him to submit two surety bonds worth Rs300,000 for his release.

The court also admitted the case for regular hearing and issued notice to Customs Department for arguments in the case.