Kakinada: Authorities in Kakinada District have uncovered 1,320 tonnes of illegal Public Distribution System (PDS) rice aboard the vessel Stella L Panama at Kakinada Anchorage Port. District Collector Shan Mohan, speaking alongside District SP Vikrant Patil and JC Rahul Meena, confirmed the discovery during a press conference at the Collector’s office.
The rice, intended for smuggling to West Africa, was prepared by local rice industries, according to Satyam Balaji. During the inspection, 1,064 tonnes of PDS rice were identified on a barge. Of this, 1,000 tonnes were linked to Lavan International, while 64 tonnes were connected to Saiteja Agros.
Collector Shan Mohan emphasized that an investigation is underway to identify the millers and traders responsible for diverting the rice meant for the poor. “We’ve intensified surveillance from rice mills to warehouses on orders from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Six mills involved in recycling PDS rice have already been seized,” he said.
The government will decide on the ship’s release after thorough action. The seized rice is being offloaded, a process expected to take 24–48 hours. The Collector reassured strict measures to curb further illegal activities.
