Illegal Drugs: PCN seals 598 pharmacies in Kaduna, nabs 2 persons

GABRIEL UDEH, KADUNA

In a sweeping enforcement aimed at curbing illegal drug distribution and safeguarding public health, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed 598 pharmacies and patent medicine shops in Kaduna State.

During a press briefing held on Friday, the National Head of Enforcement, Suleiman S. Chiroma, said the decision followed widespread non-compliance with pharmaceutical regulations across the state.

According to him, the four-day operation covered 828 premises across key local government areas, including Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Sabon Gari, Giwa  and Igabi.

“Of these 598 sealed, comprising 68 registered pharmacies and 456 patent medicine stores, alongside 74 unlicensed outlets operating outside the law,” he said.

Chiroma explained that many of the sealed facilities were found selling prescription-only medicines without authorization, a violation that poses serious risks to patients.

Others were cited for poor storage conditions, lack of proper licensing, and engaging in clinical practices beyond their approved scope.

The enforcement team also arrested two individuals for serious infractions, while issuing compliance directives to several operators who failed to meet regulatory standards.

The Council said the exercise was carried out in line with its mandate under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act, which empowers it to regulate pharmacy practice and enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.

These guidelines ensure medicines are distributed through approved channels and handled under conditions that preserve their safety, quality, and effectiveness.

Despite the scale of the crackdown, the Council noted encouraging signs of compliance within the sector. “Only nine percent of the inspected premises were found to be operating illegally, while 28 percent met all regulatory requirements”.

Further analysis showed that 45 percent of the pharmacies visited were in good standing, while 28 percent of patent medicine vendors were fully compliant an indication, the Council said, of improving adherence to standards.

He said the operation aligns with broader health sector reforms championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly efforts to expand access to safe and quality healthcare.

He said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has also emphasized the need for stronger regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical sector.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Council warned that enforcement activities would continue nationwide to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines. It also urged the public to buy drugs only from licensed premises displaying valid certification.

The PCN expressed appreciation to residents of Kaduna State for their cooperation during the exercise, noting that public support remains essential in ensuring the success of ongoing efforts to sanitise the pharmaceutical landscape.