PCN Seals 821 Illegal Drug Outlets In Kano

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 821 pharmaceutical premises in Kano State over regulatory violations, as part of efforts to sanitise the drug distribution system and safeguard public health.

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

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

According to him, a total of 1,140 premises were inspected during the exercise, comprising 114 pharmacies, 869 patent and proprietary medicine vendor (PPMV) stores, and 166 illegal outlets.

He revealed that 821 premises were sealed, including 68 pharmacies, 587 PPMV stores, and all 166 illegal outlets identified during the operation. In addition, 10 compliance directives were issued, while one operator was arrested for obstructing inspectors and violating provisions of the PCN Act.

Chiroma noted that the enforcement team uncovered widespread infractions, including failure to produce valid licences, unauthorised sale of prescription-only medicines by patent medicine vendors, poor storage conditions, and deliberate obstruction of regulatory officers.

He described the violations as a major threat to public health, warning that such practices could fuel drug abuse, poisoning and the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines.

The PCN official 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.

Despite the scale of violations, Chiroma said the exercise recorded notable improvement in compliance levels. He stated that only 15 per cent of the 893 premises assessed were found to be operating outside regulatory provisions.

He further explained that 28 per cent of all inspected premises were fully compliant, with 66 per cent of pharmacies and 32 per cent of patent medicine vendors meeting required standards.

“The Council will continue to enforce extant regulations without compromise to ensure that only safe, quality medicines are available to Nigerians and handled by qualified professionals,” he said.

He urged members of the public to patronise only licensed pharmaceutical outlets displaying valid PCN certification, stressing that the Council would continue its nationwide enforcement operations.

Chiroma also commended residents of Kano State for their cooperation, noting that public support remains critical to the success of the Council’s regulatory mandate.