598 Drug Outlets Sealed in Kaduna as Regulators Clamp Down on Unlawful Operations
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed no fewer than 598 premises across Kaduna State following a statewide enforcement exercise targeting illegal drug operations and unsafe practices.
The four-day operation, which covered 10 local government areas including Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Igabi and Chikun, also led to the arrest of two vendors for serious violations of regulatory laws.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, the Head of Enforcement, Dr Suleiman Chiroma, said the exercise was part of the council’s mandate to regulate pharmacy practice and ensure compliance across the drug distribution chain.
According to him, a total of 828 premises were inspected during the exercise. This included 123 pharmacies, 631 patent medicine stores and 74 unlicensed outlets.
Out of these, 598 facilities were sealed. The figure comprises 68 pharmacies, 456 patent medicine stores and all 74 unlicensed outlets identified during the inspection.
Chiroma explained that the affected premises were found guilty of various offences, including operating without valid licences, running unregistered facilities, engaging in unauthorised clinical practices, and stocking prescription-only medicines in patent medicine shops.
He noted that some vendors were dispensing controlled drugs beyond their approved scope, describing the practice as a serious threat to public health.
“Such practices exceed their authorised scope and pose significant risks to public safety,” he said.
Despite the widespread closures, the council reported some level of improvement in compliance. About 28 per cent of the inspected premises met regulatory standards, while only nine per cent were classified as operating illegally.
The enforcement team also issued four compliance directives to operators found to have minor infractions.
Chiroma reiterated the council’s commitment to sanitising the drug distribution system, stressing that only licensed premises operated by qualified personnel would be allowed to function.
He also warned members of the public against patronising unlicensed drug vendors, noting that improper use of medicines could lead to serious health complications or death.
“Drugs are poisons if not properly used. The difference between a drug and a poison is how it is used,” he said.
The council said enforcement efforts would continue in other parts of the country to strengthen regulation and protect public health.
Comments
Post a Comment