By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: Authorities in Delta State have shut down 46 unauthorized medicine stores in Asaba and Okpanam in a decisive move to curb the spread of counterfeit and unregulated drugs.
The crackdown, carried out by the Delta State Taskforce on Counterfeit Drugs and Unwholesome Products, targeted outlets operating without the necessary approvals and engaging in harmful pharmaceutical practices.
Grace Ekhuemelo, Chairman of the Taskforce, described the exercise as a response to growing public health concerns.
“The increasing number of unauthorized medicine outlets poses a significant risk to public health. These shops often sell counterfeit and expired drugs, which can lead to severe complications, including drug resistance and fatalities,” she stated.
During the two-day operation, enforcement officers visited 63 premises, out of which 17 met regulatory standards and were allowed to continue business.
The remaining 46 were sealed for various violations, including the absence of licenses, stocking expired medicines, and repackaging drugs into smaller portions for resale.
Matthias Onohwo, Secretary of the Taskforce, emphasized the dangers posed by these practices. “Some of these shops engage in cutting and mixing medications, a practice that fuels antibiotic resistance.
“Others improperly train apprentices who later set up unauthorized medicine stores, perpetuating this dangerous cycle,” he said.
Investigators also discovered illegal medical training centers operating under the guise of patent medicine shops. These establishments train unqualified individuals, who, in turn, establish more illegal outlets, further undermining the healthcare system.
Residents have raised concerns over unethical dispensing practices, including the sale of incomplete antibiotic courses and the repackaging of painkillers. “I once bought pain relief medicine from a chemist, only to find out later that it was expired. I fell sick and had to seek proper medical care,” said Joy Nwabueze, a resident of Okpanam.
The task force urged the public to report illegal drug sales and suspicious pharmaceutical activities. “We will not relent in ensuring that only licensed and properly regulated medicine stores operate in Delta State. The health and safety of our people remain our priority,” Ekhuemelo reaffirmed.
This latest action underscores the state government’s commitment to sanitizing the pharmaceutical sector and protecting citizens from harmful drugs. More enforcement exercises are expected in other parts of the state in the coming weeks.