The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed a total of 618 pharmacies and patent medicine stores in Rivers and Bayelsa states as part of its ongoing crackdown on illegal drug sales and unsafe pharmacy practices.

The enforcement operation, which began earlier this week, targeted local government areas including Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, and Etche in Rivers, and Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw in Bayelsa.

Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the PCN’s National Head of Enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, said the affected stores were closed for various violations such as operating without valid licences, failing to renew registration, selling controlled drugs without authorization, and training unqualified apprentices. Some stores were also retailing drugs meant only for wholesale.

Out of 867 premises inspected, 536 were sealed in Rivers and 82 in Bayelsa. These included 178 pharmacies, 123 patent medicine shops, and 317 illegal outlets shut down for multiple offences. Additionally, five individuals were arrested for tampering with the PCN seal, and nine other premises were issued compliance warnings.

Chiroma described the pharmaceutical sector as being plagued by “chaotic drug distribution and unauthorized handling of medicines,” warning that these practices put public health and safety at risk.

One of the most worrying findings was that some non-pharmacist staff had unrestricted access to controlled medicines, which he said could lead to abuse and security threats.

The Council also revealed that some vendors falsely presented themselves as licensed by making partial payments for registration without completing the process.

Chiroma reminded the public that "medicines are poisons if not properly handled", and only trained professionals should manage pharmaceutical products. He urged residents of Rivers and Bayelsa to be careful where they buy their drugs and always check for visible PCN licences displayed in stores.

The PCN also encouraged people to report suspicious activities to its state offices to help clean up the pharmaceutical space and protect lives.

Established under the PCN Establishment Act No. 31 of 2022, the Council is tasked with regulating pharmacy education and practice, as well as enforcing Nigeria’s National Drug Distribution Guidelines to ensure the quality and safety of all medicines in circulation.