The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed a total of 443 pharmacies and patent medicine shops across nine local government areas in Taraba State following a four-day enforcement operation.

Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, PCN’s Head of Enforcement, made this known during a press briefing held in Jalingo on Friday. He explained that the exercise covered 656 pharmaceutical premises across Sardauna, Gashaka, Kurmi, Bali, Ardo Kola, Jalingo, Zing, Lau, and Yorro LGAs.

Of the premises visited, 443 were sealed — including 48 pharmacies and 395 patent medicine stores — for various regulatory infractions. Additionally, 10 outlets were issued compliance directives.

Dr. Chiroma stated that the operation was part of the council’s efforts to combat the sale of substandard and counterfeit medicines, and to ensure safe and ethical pharmaceutical practices across the country.

“Our aim is to ensure that medicines are stored and dispensed in properly regulated environments. This enforcement targets unqualified personnel operating in the pharmaceutical space and seeks to eliminate unprofessional handling of medications,” he said.

He urged residents of Taraba to be cautious about where they obtain their medications and to report suspicious drug outlets to the PCN State Office in Jalingo.

Some of the common violations included unregistered operations, expired licences, unauthorized sale of controlled medicines, stocking items beyond approved lists, unauthorized clinical activities, and improper retail practices by wholesale outlets.

Chiroma emphasized that genuine pharmacies and patent medicine vendors (PPMVs) can be identified by valid licenses displayed at their premises. He also reiterated the importance of adhering to the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which regulate the flow of medicines from production to end users, as a key step toward achieving safe access to effective drugs in Nigeria.