International security

France seizes millions of masks, gloves intended for Spain and Italy

France has seized millions of face masks and gloves meant to be shipped to Spain and Italy to help fight the spread of the coronavirus in those countries, Swiss health care company Mölnlycke said Thursday.

In a statement published on its official website, Mölnlycke accused French authorities of “an extremely disturbing, unbecoming act.”

The company's general manager, Richard Twomey, said the materials were supposed to be sent to Italy and Spain via France, saying: “France banned the export of health products. It confiscated masks and gloves even though they were not theirs. This is an extremely disturbing, unbecoming act.”

Twomey noted that after France's unexpected move, the company will send new health supplies to Italy and Spain via Belgium.