Bauchi drug raid: Only 43% of inspected pharmacies meet standards as PCN seals 722 outlets

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 722 pharmaceutical premises in Bauchi State following a four-day enforcement operation spanning 15 local government areas.

The sealed facilities include 52 pharmacies, 339 patent medicine stores, and 331 illegal outlets.

Suleiman Chiroma, head of the PCN Enforcement Department, disclosed the figures during a press briefing in Bauchi.

He revealed that out of 950 total premises inspected, the team issued 24 compliance directives and shut down all 331 illegal shops discovered during the raid.

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Chiroma raised the alarm over poor regulatory compliance among licensed operators. Only 43percent of inspected pharmacies and 36percent of patent medicine vendor outlets fully met regulatory standards. Furthermore, pharmacies made up just 10percent of the total inspected facilities a figure Chiroma described as far below ideal.

The enforcement team uncovered widespread violations, including patent medicine vendors selling ethical medicines, injectables, and intravenous infusions outside the approved list.

Other infractions included operating without registration, poor record-keeping, unhygienic premises, training apprentices illegally, and allowing unauthorised access to poisons.

The team also flagged the unauthorised sale of controlled substances for abuse, particularly in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi.

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During the raids, the PCN recovered several heavily restricted and abused controlled drugs, including Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam), Valium (Diazepam), Tramadol Hydrochloride, and codeine-containing cough syrups.

Chiroma reminded operators that patent medicine vendors are strictly prohibited by law from stocking or selling these substances.

The 15 affected local government areas include Bauchi, Darazo, Gamawa, Kirfi, Alkaleri, Toro, Misau, Katagum, Tafawa-Balewa, Bogoro, Dass, Ningi, Warji, Shira and Jama’are.

The PCN warned that all medicine-handling facilities will face sustained, strict supervision and harsh sanctions for future violations.

Chiroma urged the public to buy medicines exclusively from PCN-licensed outlets that display valid, current operating licences.