FAISALABAD, July 29: The City District Government Faisalabad (CDG-F) on Tuesday enhanced the strength of price control magistrates from nine to 14 to arrest the trend of overcharging, hoarding and profiteering.

This was decided in a meeting chaired by district coordination officer Azam Suleman at the DCO office here.

He said a campaign against hoarders and profiteers was under way and Rs473,100 fine recovered from them during 490 raids.

He said a plan was being evolved to capture major hoarders in the district.

The DCO said price magistrates had been directed to conduct surprise raids on markets and bazaars to check the prices of edibles and fine traders for overcharging.

He said people would be given special awards for extending information to the district government about wheat and flour hoarding.

He said officials had been put on high alert at entry and exit points of the district to stop smuggling of wheat and flour.