Istanbul Police Confiscate 1Mln Counterfeit Masks Amid COVID-19 Outbreak - Reports

Istanbul Police Confiscate 1Mln Counterfeit Masks Amid COVID-19 Outbreak - Reports

The Istanbul police have confiscated 1 million makeshift masks worth about $500,000, local media reported on Tuesday against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

ANKARA (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 24th March, 2020) The Istanbul police have confiscated 1 million makeshift masks worth about $500,000, local media reported on Tuesday against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Hurriyet newspaper, the police raided an unlicensed workshop that was not following proper manufacturing methods.

Five people have been detained and an investigation has been opened.

On Monday, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said that the government will buy all masks manufactured in Turkey, calling for cooperation from all companies and promising coercive measures for those unwilling to deal with the authorities.