355 tonnes of smuggled PDS rice seized

Chennai: The civil supplies CID has seized 355 tonnes of smuggled rice, which was originally meant for PDS distribution, during the raids conducted in several parts of the state in August. The agency also arrested 735 people for allegedly being involved in smuggling the PDS goods.An official press release said the agency seized 203 LPG cylinders, 900kg of wheat, 1,235kg of tur dal, 15 litres of kerosene, and 100 packets of palm oil, which were being smuggled, besides 155 vehicles used for smuggling the goods. The total value of the seized commodities was 31.68 lakh. “Four people were detained under Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act,” the release said. The general public can contact the toll-free number 1800-599-5950 to make complaints on smuggling and hoarding of essential commodities.