Coronavirus: Sharjah man arrested for selling fake sanitisers and masks

Sharjah Municipality officials have arrested a man trying to sell fake masks and sanitisers in the black market. Courtesy - Sharjah Municipality

A man has been arrested in Sharjah for illegally selling medical face masks and hand sanitisers that do not meet local health and safety standards.

The Asian was caught at his residence while loading boxes of fake supplies to be distributed in the black market.

Officials of Sharjah Municipality arrested the man after getting a tip off from Sharjah Police and the Economic Development Department.

“He was caught in front of his house while loading the boxes of fake sanitisers, masks and bottles of unverified medicine into his car,” said Khalid Al Suwaidi, deputy head of consumer service at the municipality.

The authorities confiscated 1800 bottles of hand sanitisers, 1000 face masks and 200 bottles of medicine.

Several boxes of fake medical equipment were also stored in the man’s house.

“One of the rooms in his house was turned into a store where he kept the boxes,” said Mr Al Suwaidi.

The Asian was fined but the amount has not been disclosed.

The municipality has urged the public to report such offenders on 993.

In March, authorities in Ajman shut down two unlicensed factories and shops for making and selling medical face masks that did not meet UAE-approved specifications and standards.