The grocer sold this type of mask (illustration). - RAPHAEL BLOCH / SIPA

Black market. Last Thursday, 850 surgical masks were seized in a grocery store near Maubeuge, in the North, we learned this Tuesday from the gendarmerie du Nord. The store manager sold them illegally in the midst of a coronavirus epidemic.

It is in full view of everyone that the manager of a convenience store in Ferrière-la-Grande was selling a stock of 850 surgical masks at a price of one euro per unit. The products were available in stores, but he also advertised them on his store's Facebook page.

A preliminary investigation has been opened

In this context of mask shortage for healthcare workers who are fighting against the coronavirus epidemic, several scandalized internet users have reported the scheme to the authorities, in particular to the gendarmes of the North. The police therefore paid the merchant a little visit. If it is theoretically not illegal to sell such products, however, not being able to justify the origin of these masks is.

And the manager of the convenience store was unable to explain to the police how he obtained these 17 boxes of surgical masks according to AFP. The goods were therefore seized and a preliminary investigation was opened to try to find out where the products came from and whether they were counterfeit.

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