Gurugram: Amid the coronavirus scare, black marketeers are cashing in on the crisis by hoarding masks and sanitisers causing price rise of these commodities in the market. Taking an action against them, the drug control department carried out raids in South City market area.
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During the raid, the department seized 3.5 lakh masks and 2,500 bottles of sanitizers from several shops causing shortage of supply in the market and overcharging from the customers in the wake of rise in caronavirus cases. It is estimated that the total value of these seized goods is about Rs 40 lakh.
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The action came after the department got a tip-off that the masks were being illegally hoarded at one of the houses in South City-1. In view of the corona crisis, these hoarders aimed to make more profit.
Amandeep Chauhan, a drug control officer, said, "We have seized hundreds of boxes of masks and sanitisers. Over 3.5 lakh of masks and 2500 bottles of sanitizers were seized during the raid. The department will release these goods into the market to meet the rising demand in the city."
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The department has issued notices to all medical stores in Gurugram and identified as many as 40 retailers in the city who will be selling these seized products to residents by slashing the price by 10-20 per cent than MRP.
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"We are keeping a close watch on the medical stores and suppliers to avoid any hoarding of masks and sanitizers. Strict action will be taken against the violators and their license may also be cancelled,” he said.
