PCN Seals 505 Illegal Drug Stores in Cross River State

The Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) conducted an enforcement exercise in Cross River State, sealing 505 illegal drug stores. The operation, which took place across 10 local government areas, inspected 602 premises and found that 48.3% were operating illegally.

State Registrar Ibrahim Babashehu and Dr. Suleiman Chiroma reported that 291 illegal outlets were sealed, including 54 pharmacies and 160 patent medicine stores that breached regulatory requirements. The exercise also led to the sentencing of Mr. Ezea Asidora Kamchekwub to eight years in prison for running two unlicensed shops in Calabar.

The PCN emphasized that their enforcement actions carry legal weight beyond administrative sanctions, with 42.5% of registered pharmacies fully compliant and only 26.8% of patent medicine vendors meeting regulatory standards. Chiroma warned that unlicensed operations pose risks, including the diversion of drugs to criminal networks.

The PCN aims to ensure access to safe and quality medicines as part of the federal government's universal health coverage agenda.