AGS NEWS – The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down over 400 illegal medicine stores in Cross River State as part of its efforts to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medications.

The council also apprehended five illegal medicine dealers during the operation.

This was disclosed by the Director of Enforcement for Cross River State, Pharmacist Stephen Esumobi, on Friday, August 23.

Esumobi emphasized the urgent need to safeguard public health and uphold the integrity of the healthcare system.

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During the enforcement operation, around 500 premises were inspected, leading to the closure of 405 facilities. These included 31 pharmacies, 174 patent medicine shops, and 200 illegal medicine shops.

Five compliance directives were issued, and five illegal medicine dealers were arrested for violating the PCN’s regulations.

Esumobi highlighted that many of these premises had poor storage conditions, increasing the risk of medication degradation due to exposure to factors like high temperature, humidity, and direct sunlight.