The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria sealed 598 premises and arrested two vendors in Kaduna during a major enforcement drive targeting widespread violations of drug regulations and unsafe pharmaceutical practices.

Suleiman Chiroma, the PCN national head of enforcement, disclosed this on Friday in Kaduna.

Mr Chiroma said the operation, which began on Monday, covered Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Makarfi, Kudan, Igabi, Chikun, Sabon Gari, Giwa, and Ikara council areas.

He said 828 premises were visited during the four-day exercise, including pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and unlicensed outlets.

Mr Chiroma explained that the 598 premises, which were sealed, comprised pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and all unlicensed premises identified. He said two vendors were arrested for gross violations of the PCN Act.

Mr Chiroma, however, said that only nine per cent of inspected premises were operating unlawfully, indicating improved regulatory compliance. He added that 28 per cent of the premises were fully compliant, while 45 per cent of pharmacies and 28 per cent of patent medicine shops met the required standards.

“The premises sealed were for offences including lack of valid licences, unauthorised clinical practices, improper stocking of medicines, illegal operations, restricted drug access breaches, and obstruction of inspectors,” Mr Chiroma said.

Speaking further, he explained that the operation targeted unsafe medicine handling and illegal practices threatening drug quality, potency, and therapeutic effectiveness across the supply chain.

He added that the exercise forms part of efforts to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines while safeguarding public health and safety.

(NAN)