PCN Cracks Down On Illegal Drug Sellers, Seals 724 Premises Across Kwara -

 PCN Cracks Down On Illegal Drug Sellers, Seals 724 Premises Across Kwara

The fight against fake, unlicensed, and poorly regulated medicine outlets in Nigeria received a major boost as the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) sealed a staggering 724 pharmaceutical premises across 10 local government areas in Kwara State.

The enforcement operation, which lasted four days, covered Ilorin South, Ilorin East, Ilorin West, Asa, Offa, Ifelodun, Oyun, Moro, Irepodun, and Edu LGAs.

According to the Registrar of the PCN, Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed, who was represented by the council's Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Ciroma, a total of 1,238 premises were inspected during the exercise. These included 167 pharmacies, 957 patent medicine stores, and 114 illegal medicine outlets.

The outcome was alarming.

A total of 68 pharmacies, 542 patent medicine stores, and 114 illegal outlets were shut down for various regulatory violations, while additional compliance directives were issued to offending operators.

Among the major offences discovered were operating without a valid PCN licence, poor drug storage practices, unauthorized handling of controlled medicines, illegal apprenticeship training, and even cooking inside medicine shops.

Health experts warn that such practices are not minor offences. Poorly stored medicines can lose effectiveness, encourage antimicrobial resistance, lead to treatment failures, and in some cases contribute to avoidable deaths.

The PCN also raised concerns that uncontrolled access to certain medicines could create security risks if drugs find their way into criminal networks.

Interestingly, the council noted that only about nine percent of all premises inspected were operating completely illegally, suggesting that compliance is gradually improving in the state. Nevertheless, authorities insist that any violation capable of endangering public health will continue to attract strict sanctions.

The development serves as a strong reminder to Nigerians that where medicines are purchased can be just as important as the medicines themselves.

Members of the public have been advised to obtain drugs only from properly licensed pharmacies and medicine outlets displaying valid PCN certificates.

As Nigeria battles fake medicines, antimicrobial resistance, and unsafe healthcare practices, this latest crackdown sends a clear message: the era of operating outside pharmaceutical regulations is becoming increasingly risky.