PCN Launches Major Crackdown on Illegal Drug Sellers in South-South
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 618 illegal drug premises in Rivers and Bayelsa States during a week-long enforcement exercise aimed at protecting public health and improving drug regulation.
The operation targeted unlicensed pharmacies , unauthorized medicine vendors , and poorly managed health facilities .
- 536 illegal drug shops closed in Rivers
- 82 shut in Bayelsa
These include:
- 178 unlicensed pharmacies
- 123 unregulated patent medicine vendors
- 317 illegal premises
- 9 issued compliance orders
The Council is leading a nationwide campaign to clean up Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector and ensure only trained personnel and licensed facilities handle medicines.
“Medicines Are Poisons—They Must Be Regulated” – PCN
Pharmacist Ibrahim Ahmed , Registrar and CEO of PCN , explained the reason behind the crackdown during a press briefing in Port Harcourt .
He was represented by Dr. Suleiman Chiroma , who stated:
“Medicines are poisons. They must be regulated.”
He added:
“Only trained professionals should handle medicine. Every store must be licensed.”
The operation followed the PCN Establishment Act (2022) and focused on enforcing national standards in:
- Pharmaceutical ethics
- Drug quality and potency
- Personnel qualifications
“Our goal is clear: to stop fake and dangerous drugs from reaching Nigerian homes.”
PCN Inspects 867 Premises in 7 Days
During the week-long exercise, PCN officials inspected 867 premises , including:
- 344 pharmacies
- 523 patent medicine shops
In Rivers State , teams worked in:
- Port Harcourt
- Obio-Akpor
- Ikwerre
- Etche LGAs
In Bayelsa , officials visited:
- Yenagoa
- Southern Ijaw LGA
They sealed 618 premises for various violations.
They arrested 5 individuals for breaking PCN seals on previously closed shops.
This shows the Council is taking medical quackery seriously and enforcing the law to protect Nigerians from dangerous and substandard drugs .
PCN: We Are Standing Up for Public Health
Pharmacist Ahmed stressed that Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector has long suffered from:
- Unregulated drug sales
- Unlicensed premises
- Untrained personnel selling medicines
“These practices put lives at risk,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to only buy medicine from licensed and regulated outlets .
“Report any illegal vendor to the PCN immediately.”
Ahmed also warned that reopening sealed shops without approval is a criminal offense .
“We will prosecute anyone who tries to break our seals or sell unapproved drugs.”
Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts!
Have you ever bought medicine from an unlicensed seller? Should Nigeria shut down all illegal drug vendors?
💬 Leave a comment below and join the conversation on health safety , drug regulation , and public accountability .
📢 Don’t forget to share this article to help others understand the dangers of unregulated drug sales and falsified medicines.
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