Regulatory Affairs
PCN Seals 797 Premises, Shuts Illegal Drug Cluster in Kano
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed 797 premises across 28 LGAs in Kano State after inspecting 1,153 outlets, while shutting down an illegal drug cluster at Dalan-Gyada along Katsina Road.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 797 pharmaceutical premises across 28 local government areas of Kano State following a four-day enforcement exercise, while shutting down an illegal drug cluster at Dalan-Gyada along Katsina Road.
The enforcement operation, which formed the second phase of the Council’s Kano enforcement exercise, involved the inspection of 1,153 premises, comprising 16 pharmacies, 700 patent and proprietary medicine vendor (PPMV) outlets and 437 illegal outlets.
According to the PCN, 797 premises were sealed during the exercise. The sealed premises comprised eight pharmacies, 352 PPMV stores and all 437 illegal outlets identified by the enforcement team. Six compliance directives were also issued to other operators found to have breached regulatory requirements.
The operation covered 28 LGAs, including 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.
Dalan-Gyada drug cluster shut down
A major focus of the enforcement exercise was the illegal drug cluster at Dalan-Gyada, popularly known as the Groundnut Pyramid, along Katsina Road.
The PCN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, disclosed the outcome of the exercise during a press briefing in Kano. He was represented by the Council’s Head of Enforcement, Suleiman S. Chiroma.
The Council said the cluster was shut down because the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines sold there could not be guaranteed. PCN also said all 437 illegal premises identified during the wider operation were sealed in accordance with the law.
Regulatory breaches identified
According to the Council, the enforcement exercise uncovered several regulatory breaches. These included premises operating without registration, as well as PPMV outlets stocking ethical medicines, injectables and intravenous infusions beyond the scope of medicines they are authorised to supply.
Inspectors also reported poor record-keeping, improper signage and poor hygiene at some premises, while poisonous substances were reportedly accessible to non-pharmacists.
The PCN said the enforcement was conducted in line with the National Drug Policy and National Drug Distribution Guidelines.
Compliance among pharmacies
The Council also reported that only 50 per cent of the pharmacies inspected were fully compliant with regulatory requirements.
Pharmacies accounted for 16 of the 1,153 premises inspected, highlighting the importance of continued regulatory monitoring across both licensed and unlicensed medicine outlets.
The PCN urged members of the public to obtain medicines only from premises licensed by the Council and said a valid, current licence should be displayed at authorised premises.
The Council further stated that breaches of existing regulations would continue to attract enforcement action as it strengthens supervision of premises involved in the handling, storage and dispensing of medicines.
The Kano operation underscores the continuing regulatory challenge of controlling unauthorised medicine outlets while ensuring that licensed medicine premises comply with professional and safety standards.