In a decisive move following a BBC investigation, Indian authorities have prohibited the manufacturing and export of two highly addictive opioids implicated in a growing public health crisis in West Africa. The Drugs Controller General of India, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, issued a letter stating that permissions for these drugs have been revoked.
The investigation revealed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, a Mumbai-based company, had been illegally exporting a dangerous combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol to countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. As a result, India’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a raid on Aveo’s facility in Mumbai, seizing their entire stock.
Details of the drug ban
Dr. Raghuvanshi’s circular, which was issued on a Friday, explicitly referenced the BBC’s findings as a catalyst for the immediate ban on all formulations containing tapentadol and carisoprodol. In his communication, he emphasized that the decision was influenced by concerns over the potential for drug abuse and its detrimental effects on public health.
Tapentadol is classified as a potent opioid, while carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant noted for its high potential for addiction, is banned across Europe. Although carisoprodol is permitted for short-term use in the United States, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and hallucinations. The combination of these two substances is not authorized for use globally due to their associated risks, including respiratory issues and seizures, with overdoses potentially being fatal.
The impact of illegal trade
Despite the significant dangers, these opioids have gained popularity as street drugs in many West African nations, largely due to their low cost and easy availability. Data concerning exports reveals that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, together with its affiliate Westfin International, has shipped millions of these tablets to Ghana and other destinations in West Africa.
The investigation uncovered that packets of these pills bearing the Aveo logo were openly sold on the streets of Nigeria and in towns across Côte d’Ivoire. With a population of approximately 225 million, Nigeria represents the largest market for these opioids, where it is estimated that about four million individuals are involved in opioid misuse, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
As part of the inquiry, the BBC employed an undercover operative to pose as a businessman interested in supplying opioids to Nigeria. This operative filmed a director of Aveo, Vinod Sharma, revealing the same hazardous products found in West Africa. During this covert meeting, Sharma described the cocktail drug as “very harmful” but acknowledged its commercial appeal.
“This is very harmful for the health,” Sharma noted, adding, “nowadays, this is business.”
Sharma’s comments indicated an awareness of the risks associated with the drugs, as he discussed how taking multiple pills could lead users to feel “relaxed” and potentially “high.” The FDA’s action included a comprehensive seizure of Aveo’s stock and the suspension of further production, with plans for subsequent legal proceedings against the company.
In a statement, the FDA affirmed its commitment to combat illegal activities that could damage the country’s reputation, underscoring its readiness to conduct further inspections to prevent the distribution of these dangerous drugs.