The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria has disclosed that 424 illicit outlets used for drugs sale within the Federal Capital Territory have been sealed.

This was disclosed by Registrar and Chief Executive, Elijah Mohammed, in Abuja on Friday.

Mohammed who was represented by the PCN Director of Enforcement, Stephen Esumobi, explained that 99 pharmacies and 325 patent medicine shops were closed during the first week of its enforcement exercise.

“At the end of the enforcement exercise, a total of 644 premises, comprising 216 pharmacies and 428 patent medicine shops, were visited. A total of 424 premises, made up of 99 pharmacies, and 325 patent medicine shops, were sealed.”

PUNCH reported that the affected drug stores were sealed for various offences ranging from operating without registration with the PCN, failure to renew premises license, dispensing ethical products without the supervision of a pharmacist, poor storage and sanitary conditions, among others.

He added that the Abuja office of the PCN was doing all in its power to assist owners of premises who were ready to comply with regulations.