Some 5,509 items were seized and destroyed in Madinah as they were either expired foodstuffs unfit for human consumption or fraudulent consumer products that didn’t meet specifications, Director General Khalid Qamqamji of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Madinah branch) told the Saudi Press Agency.

He said members of the fraud control board carried out inspections during the holy month of Ramadan at 300 stores and shops in the city. The operation was carried out under a royal decree on the monitoring of markets and stores. The inspections were done with the intention of curbing commercial fraud and protecting consumers.

Earlier this week, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah reiterated his resolve to take stringent punitive measures against those indulging in fraudulent practices concerning consumer goods.

Commerce and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said King Abdullah has been closely monitoring the consumer market and directed him to make available all goods and services to people at reasonable prices.

“The King also warned traders against resorting to any forms of commercial fraud,” Al-Rabiah said. “The king is always keen to make life easier for people as well as remove any hurdles to ensure an adequate supply of goods and services for all consumers while maintaining top quality and reasonable prices.” he added.