LAHORE, Sept 19: Police on Monday took at least a dozen traders into custody from Brandreth Road for selling dengue spray machines and spare parts at exorbitant rates. The raids were conducted after some civilians and policemen in plainclothes purchased spray machines from at least 10 shops while pretending to be customers.

At least 12 traders were taken into custody and were shifted to the Naulakha police station.

The action was taken after Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif constituted a committee comprising PML-N MNA Bilal Yaseen, the Lahore DIG Operations and the Punjab health director-general, to monitor overcharging by sellers of spray machines.

The police said cases would be registered against the arrested traders. Raids would be carried out in Neela Gumbad, Ichhra, Township and Bilal Ganj.

Meanwhile, dozens of Brandreth Road traders gathered at the Naulakha police station soon after the arrests.