DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Sep 08 (APP):The district administration and the food department have launched a crackdown against hoarders and profiteers across the district, seizing 5,650 bags of sugar dumped at godowns here on Friday.

According to the district administration, the drive has been launched in line with the instructions of the provincial government to take action against profiteers who created artificial shortages of sugar to fleece the masses through unjust hikes in the prices of the commodity.

Acting on a tip-off, the team led by Assistant Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Farhan Ahmed raided various areas of the city, including Draban Road, near Peer Zakuri Graveyard, Bismillah Market, and Muriali Grocery Store, near Bund Dhapanwala.

During the inspection, they found that shopkeepers had stored sugar at their godowns which were sealed on the spot.

They recovered 5,000 bags of sugar from the godowns located on Draban Road and 650 bags of sugar from the Maryali grocery store.

Assistant Commissioner Farhan Ahmed further said that every attempt to smuggle wheat and sugar would be thwarted and efforts would be made to achieve the set target of purchasing both commodities.

He said that the entry and exit routes of the district were being closely monitored to prevent the illegal movement of sugar.

He said that hoarders and wholesalers who were found involved in unlawful business practices were heavily fined, and strict action was also taken against them as per the law.

He urged the business community to avoid profiteering and cooperate with the district administration in providing relief to the people.