Babu was arrested a few days ago in the city in connection with his attempt to smuggle 1.1 tonne of pds rice to Kerala.
Investigations revealed that he used to collect rice from the card holders in Periyanaicken Palayam, Goundenpalayam and Thudiyalur by giving money and sell it for higher price in Kerala, police said.
Since he was involved in such cases in Nilgiris District, where he evaded arrest while smuggling 2.1 tonnes of rice to Kerala, the Food Cell department recommended his detention under Prevention of Blackmarketing Act, they said.