🗓️ Coimbatore | October 10, 2025
In a major crackdown on illegal transport of government-supplied commodities, the Civil Supplies and Enforcement Department seized 25 tonnes of ration rice that was allegedly being smuggled from Tamil Nadu to Kerala. The operation took place near Walayar, just outside Coimbatore, after authorities received a tip-off about the suspicious movement of a lorry.
How the Seizure Happened
Officials stopped a truck carrying sacks of rice labeled under the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC). The driver reportedly failed to provide valid documents to justify the transport. Upon verification, it was found that the rice was part of the Public Distribution System (PDS) stock — meant exclusively for low-income families in Tamil Nadu.
The enforcement team immediately confiscated the vehicle and the rice consignment. Preliminary reports estimate the quantity seized at 25 tonnes, marking one of the largest such seizures in recent months.
Investigation Points to Smuggling Network
Sources within the department said the rice was likely collected through middlemen operating in and around Coimbatore. The smugglers planned to sell it in Kerala, where PDS rice commands a much higher price.
The driver and vehicle owner have been detained, and officials are probing whether this seizure is linked to a wider cross-border smuggling network. Authorities suspect organized rackets diverting government-supplied food grains to the open market.
Government Welfare at Risk
Tamil Nadu’s Public Distribution System ensures affordable rice and essential commodities to millions of families. When such rice is smuggled, it directly affects the welfare of genuine beneficiaries.
Officials highlighted that misuse of government resources not only causes financial losses to the state but also deprives poor families of their basic food rights. The government is working to tighten monitoring and prevent leakage through technology-based tracking and strict border checks.
Official Statement
A senior officer from the Civil Supplies Enforcement Wing said:
“We are continuously monitoring the border routes to prevent the smuggling of ration rice and other commodities. Strict action will be taken against everyone involved in this illegal trade.”
He also noted that all seized rice will be redirected to the PDS system, ensuring that it reaches the rightful beneficiaries.
Previous Incidents Near Coimbatore
This isn’t the first time enforcement teams have caught ration rice being smuggled near the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border. Several such incidents have been reported in recent months from Madukkarai, Walayar, and Pollachi regions.
Authorities have intensified checks at these border points to ensure that government-subsidized commodities are not misused or sold illegally.
Conclusion
The October 10, 2025 seizure of 25 tonnes of ration rice near Coimbatore reflects the ongoing vigilance of the Civil Supplies Department. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of public cooperation in protecting government welfare programs.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious movement of ration goods to local authorities to help stop black-market smuggling and ensure fair distribution.
