Tue Dec 03 09:42:39 UTC 2024: **Cargo Ship Seized in India for Alleged Illegal Rice Export**
Kakinada, India (December 3, 2024) – A West-Africa bound cargo ship, the Stella L Panama, has been seized at the Kakinada Anchorage Port in Andhra Pradesh, India, for allegedly exporting 38,000 metric tonnes of rice illegally. The seizure follows an order from Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan four days prior.
Authorities suspect the rice was obtained illegally from the Public Distribution System (PDS). District Collector S. Shan Mohan confirmed the seizure and stated that a five-member team comprising officials from Customs, the Anchorage Port, Police, Revenue, and Civil Supplies departments is investigating.
Initial investigations reveal that at least 640 metric tonnes of the rice on board originated from the PDS. The team will verify if this rice matches a previous seizure in June and if its export was legally authorized. The entire cargo will undergo inspection within three days. The investigation aims to identify the exporter(s) and determine the full extent of the illegal export.
First Piper 