PCN Shuts Down 505 Illegal Drug Shops in Cross River Crackdown
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has intensified its campaign against illegal drug sales by shutting down 505 medicine outlets operating in violation of pharmaceutical regulations across Cross River State.
The enforcement exercise, which lasted four days, covered 10 local government areas and formed part of the council’s nationwide effort to improve access to safe medicines while protecting the public from counterfeit and improperly handled pharmaceutical products.
According to the council, inspectors visited 602 drug-related premises, including registered pharmacies and patent medicine stores, to evaluate their compliance with existing regulatory standards.
Hundreds of Outlets Found in Breach
Speaking during a media briefing in Calabar, Dr. Suleiman S. Chiroma, who represented the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, disclosed that a significant number of the inspected facilities failed to meet the requirements for lawful operation.
The enforcement team sealed 291 illegal medicine outlets, 54 registered pharmacies, and 160 patent medicine stores after identifying various regulatory violations.
In addition to the closures, the council issued 13 compliance notices to some operators, giving them an opportunity to address identified shortcomings within the approved timeframe.
Common Regulatory Violations
The council explained that the inspection uncovered several forms of non-compliance.
Some businesses were allegedly operating without valid licences, while others failed to maintain proper drug storage conditions required to preserve the quality and safety of medicines.
Inspectors also reported cases involving the unauthorized handling of controlled medicines, inadequate professional supervision, and the use of unqualified personnel in pharmaceutical operations.
According to PCN officials, these practices pose serious risks to public health and undermine efforts to maintain professional standards within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Illegal Drug Sales Remain a Public Health Concern
The Pharmacy Council warned that medicines purchased from unauthorized outlets may expose patients to significant health risks.
Improper storage, poor handling, expired medications, counterfeit products, and dispensing by untrained individuals can reduce treatment effectiveness and increase the likelihood of drug resistance and avoidable medical complications.
The council stressed that only licensed pharmaceutical professionals possess the training required to safely dispense prescription medicines and provide appropriate guidance to patients.
Recent Conviction Highlights Tougher Enforcement
During the briefing, the council referenced a recent court judgment involving an operator convicted for running unlicensed medicine outlets in Calabar.
Officials noted that the conviction demonstrates that violations of pharmaceutical regulations can attract criminal penalties in addition to administrative sanctions.
The PCN said it will continue working with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure that offenders are prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian laws.
Public Urged to Verify Licensed Pharmacies
Residents of Cross River State have been advised to purchase medicines only from pharmacies and patent medicine vendors displaying valid Pharmacy Council of Nigeria licences.
The council encouraged members of the public to verify the legitimacy of medicine outlets before making purchases and to report suspected illegal operators to the appropriate authorities.
Officials believe greater public awareness will play an important role in reducing the circulation of counterfeit medicines and protecting community health.
Supporting Universal Health Coverage
The enforcement exercise also supports the Federal Government’s objective of expanding access to safe, effective, and quality-assured healthcare services under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
PCN stated that eliminating illegal drug outlets will strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector while improving patient safety across the country.
Enforcement to Continue
The council commended residents for cooperating with inspection teams throughout the operation and reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring.
According to officials, additional enforcement exercises will be carried out to identify and sanction businesses that continue to operate outside approved regulatory standards.
The PCN warned that individuals engaged in illegal pharmaceutical practices should expect continued regulatory action as part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the nation’s drug distribution system.
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