The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has arrested five pharmacists in Kano State for violating pharmaceutical regulations over adulteration and sale of harmful drugs.
The PCN operatives arrested three of the suspects accused of breaking official seals placed on premises previously shut down by regulators, while two others were apprehended for reportedly operating unlicensed drug outlets.
The arrests were during enforcement exercise at Dalan Gyada and Kurmi markets in Kano State, where the PCN Director of Enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, said that the council would not tolerate any attempt to undermine pharmaceutical regulations or obstruct enforcement measures.
Chiroma, at the scene on Thursday said that the PCN will continue to enforce the law against any individual or premises found violating pharmaceutical regulations, reminiscing that breaking official seals, reopening sealed facilities, and operating pharmaceutical businesses without approval are serious offences under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2022.
He informed that the alleged lawbreakers would be arraigned before the Federal High Court, stressing that residents should desist from purchasing drugs from unregulated vendors operating at markets in the state.
The director advised members of the public to obtain medicines only from facilities licensed and approved by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, noting that only regulated outlets offer greater assurance of drug safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Chiroma mentioned that the council would sustain collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to eliminate illegal pharmaceutical activities across the country and strengthen the integrity of the drug distribution system.
He also appealed to operators within the pharmaceutical industry and the wider public to support ongoing enforcement efforts aimed at protecting public health and ensuring compliance with national drug regulations.