More than 20,000 face masks and fake sanitisers were seized from an unauthorised merchant by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), in cooperation with the Sharjah Municipality.
"The face masks are worth approximately Dh28,000. The trader was using social media to sell the products, which he had obtained from an unauthorised agent," said Salim Al Suwaidi, deputy director of commercial control and protection department at the SEDD.
"The products were seized and he was handed over to the municipality to be held accountable for his action.
"The unauthorised facility was immediately shut by the SEDD, in addition to slapping heavy fines. The goods were confiscated to inspect for their quality and safety. If the facemasks are safe to use, they will be donated to charities," he added.
Counterfeit products
A number of fake santisers, bearing the trademark 'Air Freshener', were also seized by the SEDD inspectors during their periodic inspections.
"The products were confiscated and withdrawn from the market as they are harmful to the general health of individuals in the community. All exploiters and offenders will be stopped to ensure the safety of the markets and to put an end to wrong practices. The exploiters will be slapped heavy fines and referred to the public prosecution, if necessary," said Al Suwaidi.
SEDD will continue its inspection campaigns in the markets to limit monopoly or fraud and to ensure the protection of consumers. "We are working around the clock to address any attempts of commercial fraud to exploit the current challenges and negatively affect the national economy," he added.
He urged the public to notify the SEDD in case they come across any violations - through its call centre 80080000, social media account handle @Sharjaheconomic' or the consumer protection website www.shjconsumer.ae.
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