The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down an illegal drug cluster at the Groundnut Pyramid, popularly known as Dalan-Gyada, along Katsina Road, Kano.

The council’s registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists after a four-day enforcement operation in Kano.

Mr Ahmed, represented by the council’s head of enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, said the cluster was shut down because the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines sold at the popular Dalan-Gyada along Katsina Road cannot be guaranteed.

He said the operation also led to the sealing of 797 premises, including eight pharmacies, 352 patent medicine stores, and 437 illegal outlets.

“Over the four-day operation, the team inspected a total of 1,153 premises, comprising 16 pharmacies, 700 patent medicine stores, and 437 illegal outlets.

“Consequently, 797 premises were sealed, including eight pharmacies, 352 patent medicine stores, and 437 illegal outlets. In addition, six compliance directives were issued.

“The council also shut down the illegal drug cluster at Dalan-Gyada, Katsina Road. I wish to bring to the attention of the good people of Kano State that the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines sold at the Dalan-Gyada illegal drug cluster cannot be guaranteed,” he said.

According to him, illegal premises accounted for 38 per cent of all facilities sealed due to one or more regulatory breaches.

He said among licensed operators, 50 per cent of the pharmacies inspected were in full compliance with regulatory standards; thus, there is a need to enhance monitoring.

“In accordance with the provisions of the law, 100 per cent of the 437 illegal premises identified were sealed,” he said.

He said the operation, which was the second phase of the enforcement, targeted the Dalan-Gyada and local government areas (LGAs) outside the metropolis.

“During the second phase of the exercise, the following LGAs were visited: Bichi, Tsanyawa, Gwarzo, Wudil, Gaya, Ajingi, Kiru, Tudun Wada, Ungogo, Bebeji, Garun Mallam, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Takai, Rimin Gado, Bagwai, Shanono, Kabo, Gezawa, Gabasawa, Dambatta, Makoda, Minjibir, Warawa, Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure.

“Pharmaceutical services were found to be extremely scarce, with pharmacies constituting just 1.37 per cent of the 1,153 premises visited,” he said.

The enforcement head vowed that the council will sustain enforcement and ensure strict compliance with the council regulations.

“Accordingly, all premises involved in the handling, storage, and dispensing of medicines will be under strict and continuous regulatory supervision.

“Breach of any extant regulation will be met with prompt and appropriate enforcement action by the council.

“Members of the public are urged to obtain medicines exclusively from premises licensed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria,” he said.

The council, however, commended the people of Kano for their cooperation during the enforcement exercise, stressing that sustained collaboration will guarantee continuous access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines for all Nigerians.

(NAN)