The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 489 drug outlets across 14 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State over widespread unethical practices by patent medicine dealers and vendors.
The four-day enforcement operation, which included officials from Abuja, Abia, Cross River, and other states, targeted illegal and unregistered premises to sanitise drug distribution in the state.
Addressing the press at the PCN Zonal Office in Uyo, head of the enforcement team, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, said the action was necessary to combat drug counterfeiting, quackery, and unauthorized sales.
“Out of 725 premises visited—212 pharmacies and 513 patent medicine shops—489 were sealed for regulatory violations,” Chiroma stated. These included 122 pharmacies and 367 medicine shops. Six others received compliance directives.
Common infractions included: operating without licenses, unlawful access to controlled drugs, overstocking of unapproved medicines, unauthorised training of apprentices and wholesale premises engaging in retail
Chiroma, representing PCN Registrar Pharm. Babashehu Ahmed emphasised that all drug distribution must follow regulated channels as outlined in the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG).
He warned that violations would be sanctioned and urged the public to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and vendors with visible PCN certification.
The PCN also called on residents to report suspicious drug outlets to its Uyo office and thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for supporting efforts to curb counterfeit and unsafe medicines.
