Civil Supplies CID books over 1,000 cases of smuggling of PDS items in seven months

The Civil Supplies Crime Investigation Department, Tiruchi Zone, which is engaged in prevention of smuggling and hoarding of Public Distribution System items has registered 1,141 cases from January to July this year.

The Tiruchi zone encompasses nine districts: Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Karur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai. Personnel of the Civil Supplies CID had seized 215 tonnes of PDS rice, 599 kg of wheat, 194 kg of dal and 83 domestic LPG cylinders during this period. The total value of the goods seized had been put at ₹12.89 lakh.

A total number of 1,179 persons who were involved in these crimes were arrested and 127 vehicles used for smuggling were confiscated. Four offenders had been detained under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980.

The officers of the Civil Supplies Crime Investigation Department are conducting regular patrols and engaged in the prevention of smuggling and hoarding of PDS items.  Cases have been registered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, against those involved in smuggling and hoarding of essential commodities and their accomplices, a press release from the CS-CID said.