A team of district administrative officials on Sunday conducted surprise inspection at pharmacies and warehouses of stockists dealing in surgical equipment as part of a crackdown against hoarding and black-marketing of masks and hand sanitizers that have been declared essential commodities in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The team, led by Dhanbad sub-divisional officer (SDO) Raj Maheshwaram, checked the availability of N-95, Ply-2 and Ply-3 masks at Popular Medical Hall besides two warehouses of Gopal Distributors and Sri Ram Enterprises —and instructed the owners to provide masks and sanitizers to people at the prescribed rate.

Maheshwaram also informed the distributors and shop owners that any irregularity in the distribution of masks and sanitizers would be treated under the laid provisions of the Essential Commodities Act and invite strict punishment.

“We will hold a meeting with all the stockists, distributors and shops engaged in the sale of masks and sanitizers tomorrow (Monday) and will ensure their availability at the Sadar hospital,” Maheshwaram told The Telegraph.

The SDO also advised people to avoid visiting crowded places and wash hands with soaps and sanitizers frequently.