PCN Seals 722 Medicine Premises in Bauchi, Recovers Tramadol, Rohypnol, Codeine Syrups

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 722 of the 950-medicine premises it inspected in Bauchi State, including 52 pharmacies, 339 patent medicine stores and all 331 illegal outlets identified during a four-day enforcement exercise.

Suleiman S. Chiroma, PCN’s Head of Department, Enforcement, disclosed this at a press conference in Bauchi on Thursday, 15 October 2026, on the outcome of the exercise.

Chiroma said the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of PCN, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, had directed the sustenance of continuous enforcement across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“In Bauchi State, the following LGAs were visited: Bauchi, Darazo, Gamawa, Kirfi, Alkaleri, Toro, Misau, Katagum, Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro, Dass, Ningi, Warji and Jama’are,” he stated.

“Over the four-day operation, the team inspected a total of 950 premises, comprising 92 pharmacies, 527 patent medicine shops and 331 illegal outlets. Consequently, 722 premises were sealed – 52 pharmacies, 339 patent medicine stores and 331 illegal outlets. In addition, 24 compliance directives were issued.

“Illegal premises accounted for 46% of all facilities sealed due to one or more regulatory breaches. Among licensed operators, 43% of the pharmacies inspected were in full compliance with regulatory standards, hence the need to enhance monitoring. In comparison, 36% of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor outlets were also found to be compliant.

“In accordance with the provisions of the law, 100% of the 331 illegal premises identified were sealed. Pharmacies constituted just 10% of the 950 premises visited. This is a far cry from the ideal.”

The enforcement team, he said, observed that some pharmaceutical premises were operating without registration, while a significant number of PPMV shops stocked ethical medicines, injectables and intravenous infusions, contrary to the provisions of the Approved Patent Medicine List.

Other violations included poor record keeping, improper signage, unhygienic environments, unrestricted access to poisons by unauthorised persons and the training of apprentices.

Chiroma said it was also observed with grave concern that several PPMV shops engaged in the unauthorised sale of controlled medicines for abuse, particularly within the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi Metropolis.

Among the controlled substances recovered were Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), Diazepam (Valium), Tramadol Hydrochloride (Tramal), codeine-containing cough syrups and several other controlled medicines whose sale by PPMVs is expressly prohibited by law.

The PCN warned that every premises involved in the handling, storage and dispensing of medicines would henceforth be under strict and sustained regulatory supervision, adding that any violation of extant laws and regulations would attract prompt and appropriate sanctions.

The Council advised the public to obtain medicines exclusively from premises licensed by the PCN, noting that a valid and current licence must be displayed by every licensed facility as proof of authorisation to operate.