Pharmacists Advocate for Life Imprisonment for Drug Peddlers

 Pharmacists across Nigeria are intensifying their call for more stringent penalties against individuals involved in the peddling of illicit and counterfeit medicines. Amid rising concerns over the proliferation of substandard drugs and their detrimental impact on public health, these healthcare professionals are advocating for life imprisonment as a deterrent to such activities.

​

The pharmacists argue that the current penalties are insufficient to curb the activities of drug peddlers who exploit regulatory loopholes to distribute counterfeit medications. They believe that imposing harsher sentences, such as life imprisonment, would serve as a strong deterrent and signal the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

This advocacy aligns with broader efforts by regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which has previously sought the death penalty for drug counterfeiters. The pharmacists’ call underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by counterfeit drugs and protecting the integrity of the nation’s healthcare system.