Four of more than 30 containers of rice have returned to Guyana after being rejected by Panamanian authorities due to false labelling, alleged corruption and collusion, a Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) source said.

The matter is also being investigated by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and persons were reportedly questioned.

Reports indicate that over 30 containers of rice were rejected between the months of August and September 2018. The containers upon inspection by Panamanian authorities found that it contained parboiled rice instead of white rice which was requested.

SOCU’s probe was triggered by a complaint from Co-Chair of the Rice Producers Association Action Committee, Jinnah Rahaman. Rahaman in his complaint to the Commissioner of Police Leslie James, calling for an investigation into the matter, said almost two months ago, Guyana’s most lucrative rice market, Panama suffered a major challenge after authorities there rejected a number of containers at the ports. Rahaman said it was found, from samples, that the rice was not in conformity to the agreement Guyana signed.

Reports indicate that the Panamanian authorities, in checking other containers, found that the rice appeared to be of the wrong quality and this was the same in over 30 containers, all of which were rejected. A report was also filed with the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The rice was reportedly sent by Cayume Hakh and Sons rice mills. The miller would have to stand the cost of having the containers shipped back. The GRDB is expected to take custody of the containers and conduct an audit. On the bags of rice, officials found labels belonging to another miller who denied giving permission for his label to be used.