PCN seals 821 drug outlets in Kano over violations

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, has sealed 821 pharmaceutical premises in Kano State over regulatory violations.

The enforcement exercise, which lasted four days and covered eight local government areas, was disclosed on Thursday during a press briefing at the council’s state office in Kano.

The Head of Enforcement, Dr Suleiman S. Chiroma, speaking on behalf of the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, said the operation targeted illegal medicine vendors and non-compliant pharmaceutical outlets operating outside approved standards.

He said a total of 1,140 premises were inspected during the exercise, including pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendor, PPMV, stores, and illegal outlets.

According to him, 821 premises were sealed, comprising 68 pharmacies, 587 PPMV stores, and 166 illegal outlets.

Chiroma added that 10 compliance directives were issued, while one operator was arrested for obstructing inspectors and violating provisions of the PCN Act.

He noted that the enforcement team uncovered several violations, including failure to produce valid licences, sale of prescription-only medicines by unlicensed vendors, poor storage conditions, and obstruction of regulatory officers.

The PCN said the infractions pose risks to public health, including drug abuse, poisoning, and the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines.

Chiroma also disclosed that clusters of illegal pharmaceutical activities were discovered in Kasuwan Kurmi and Kwangiri areas of Kano metropolis, where 46 non-compliant premises were sealed.

He said the exercise recorded improved compliance levels, with more premises now operating within regulatory standards.

He urged the public to patronise only licensed pharmaceutical outlets displaying valid PCN certification, and said the council would continue nationwide enforcement operations to ensure safe and quality medicines.