Kochi | Police have launched an investigation after 1,360 bags of urea meant for agricultural use were allegedly found stocked illegally at a polymer manufacturing factory at Pulluvazhi near here, officials said on Sunday.

Kuruppampady police registered a case against Ihsanul Rahman K S, proprietor of Abson Polymers, based on a complaint lodged by the Agricultural Officer of Rayamangalam Krishi Bhavan.

Police said the seized urea was meant exclusively for agricultural purposes and is supplied to farmers at highly subsidised rates.

Its sale and use for commercial purposes are prohibited.

According to the police, the accused allegedly procured large quantities of the subsidised fertiliser and used it in the manufacturing process at the factory.

The seizure was made on July 23 after the Agricultural Officer received a tip-off and inspected the factory premises, where the bags of urea were found stocked.

A case has been registered under various provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985.

Police said a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain how such a large quantity of subsidised agricultural urea was procured.

The accused claimed that he procured urea for making gum used for plywood manufacturing.

Officials said the seizure comes at a time when there is a shortage of urea in the market.

Samples of the seized fertiliser have been sent to the Agriculture Department's laboratory to assess its quality, police added.