PCN seals 430 illegal drug outlets, pharmacies in Yobe

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) carried out a four-day enforcement operation in Yobe State, sealing 430 illegal drug outlets and pharmacies. Head of Enforcement Suleiman Chiroma disclosed that 601 premises were inspected across 10 local government areas. Chiroma stated that 50% of the inspected premises were operating illegally, with 300 being unregistered outlets, 267 Patent Medicine Vendor (PPMV) stores, and 34 pharmacies.

Of the 430 sealed facilities, 300 illegal outlets, 110 PPMV stores, and 20 pharmacies were closed down, with 21 compliance directives issued. Chiroma expressed concern over low compliance, noting that only 41% of pharmacies and 63% of PPMV outlets met regulatory standards. The PCN emphasized the importance of proper storage, licensing, and authorized dispensing, warning that these breaches could lead to public health risks such as treatment failure, drug abuse, and antimicrobial resistance.

The exercise aimed to ensure access to safe medicines in line with the National Drug Policy, and the council urged the public to only obtain medicines from PCN-licensed premises.