LUCKNOW: To check black-marketing, hoarding and overcharging of Remdesivir and other drugs used in treatment of critical Covid-19 patients, the state government has directed the police department to adopt zero-tolerance policy towards such illegal activities.
“It is a crime against humanity and no one indulging in hoarding and black-marketing of Covid-19 medicines should be spared. Police must have a zero-tolerance policy towards such activities. Action taken by the police must instill fear in the minds of culprits,” the CM said.
Recently, STF busted a gang which had hoarded as many as 265 Remdesivir vials in Kanpur. Three persons – Sachin Kumar, Mohan Soni and Prashant Shukla – were arrested and booked under the National Security Act (NSA).
They were selling the drug for Rs 4,000 thus earnings more than Rs 10 lakh.
“Following the CM’s directives, UP special task force (UP STF) and district police are conducting extensive drives to check black-marketing and hoarding of essential Covid-19 drugs,” additional director general of police, law and order, Prashant Kumar said.
“No illegal activity will be tolerated in this time of crisis and will invite strict punishment. The state government is fully committed to facilitating easy availability of vials and other Covid-19 medicines to people. Various agencies have been deployed to check illegal sale of medicines,” he added. “Remdesivir is a key medicine used in the treatment of serious Covid-19 patients. Taking advantage of rising demand, some people are selling vials at high prices,” an official said.
A home department official said despite the availability of eight essential drugs, including Remdesivir in abundant quantities in the state, illegal sale was a cause for concern. “The government has directed the authorities to verify the stock and take immediate action against black-marketing, hoarding and overcharging,” he said.
To strengthen the process, authorities have been urged to instruct enforcement staff to keep strict vigil at sensitive places and take swift action by conducting raids and special drives.