The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 355 pharmacies and patent medicines shops in Jigawa for various offences.

Stephen Esumobi, the PCN’s director of enforcement, said this while speaking to newsmen after the operation in some local government areas.

”Many premises in Jigawa have been operating illegally without registration. Many of the patent medicine stores have stocked large quantities of medicines outside approved drug lists beyond their scope.

“Storage conditions in most premises were found to be inadequate, thus exposing the products to degradation, which will affect public health,” he explained.

Mr Esumobi added that most of the drugs found in the patent shops were no longer fit for human consumption.

The PCN director further said that illegal medicine dealers were also found selling substances of abuse to the public, thus aggravating social and security concerns from illicit use of drugs.

The council, he said, visited Hadejia, Birnin Kudu, Gwaram, Ringim, Taura, Birniwa, Guri, Malam Madori, Jahun, Kiyawa, Garki and Gumel local government areas.

The operation was also extended to Dutse, Kazaure, Roni, Gagarawa, Buji, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama and Auyo local government areas.

The medicine stores were sealed for offences ranging from the unauthorised sale of substances of abuse to wholesale premises engaging in retail and the sale of medicines without documentation.

Some were also sealed for operating without registration with the council, poor storage facilities, and stocking ethical products without the supervision of a competent pharmacist.

In addition, the director noted that two people were arrested for breaking the council’s seal and obstructing inspectors from performing lawful duty.

(NAN)