By John Umeh
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has intensified its war against illegal drug distribution, sealing 471 medicine outlets across Edo State for operating outside the law.
The clampdown followed a large-scale enforcement operation carried out in parts of Edo South Senatorial District, including Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North-East, Egor, and Uhunmwonde local government areas.
PCN Registrar, Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, who was represented by the Council’s Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed the development in Benin City on Friday while briefing journalists during events marking this year’s World Pharmacists Day.
According to him, inspectors stormed 743 premises in total—comprising 196 pharmacies and 547 patent medicine stores. Out of these, 471 outlets were shut for violations ranging from unlicensed operations, poor record-keeping, unauthorised handling of controlled substances, to breaches of professional standards. He added that four premises were given directives to correct specific non-compliances, while one person was arrested for obstructing inspectors.
Ahmed explained that the action is part of PCN’s mandate to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines and ensure only safe and effective medicines are available to Nigerians. He warned that the proliferation of illegal and unregulated shops is fueling the spread of fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous drugs.
“The Council will continue to insist on proper licensing, strict compliance with professional ethics, and the qualification of personnel engaged in the sale and handling of medicines,” he said.
PCN also urged the public to patronise only registered pharmacies and licensed patent medicine vendors, stressing that the health risks associated with purchasing drugs from unapproved outlets could be life-threatening.
