A recent BBC investigation uncovered the illegal export of these addictive drugs, sparking a comprehensive crackdown.
India Prohibits Opioids Linked to West Africa Health Crisis
India Prohibits Opioids Linked to West Africa Health Crisis
Indian authorities have acted decisively to ban two opioids following alarming evidence of their contribution to a growing public health crisis in West Africa.
The article text:
In a significant move to combat the opioid crisis affecting parts of West Africa, Indian authorities have imposed an immediate ban on two highly addictive opioids—tapentadol and carisoprodol. This decision comes in light of a BBC investigation that revealed the illicit practices of Indian pharmaceutical company Aveo, which had been exporting a dangerous combination of these drugs to countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire.
The Drugs Controller General of India, Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, confirmed in a letter obtained by the BBC that the company’s permission to manufacture and export the harmful drugs has been revoked. In addition, India's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a raid on Aveo's Mumbai facility, resulting in the seizure of their entire stock.
The directive to ban all combinations of the two opioids was issued after a thorough review by officials, who expressed concerns about the potential for drug abuse and its detrimental effects on public health. Tapentadol is a potent opioid, while carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, is notorious for its addictive properties and is banned in Europe. Though approved for short-term use in the US, carisoprodol can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and hallucinations.
The combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol is globally unlicensed due to serious health risks, including the possibility of fatal overdoses. Despite these dangers, these opioids have gained traction as cheap and readily available street drugs in many West African nations.
Recent export data reveals Aveo Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Westfin International, has shipped millions of tablets to multiple West African countries. In Nigeria, where an estimated four million individuals abuse opioids, the demand for these pills is particularly high.
During the investigation, BBC undercover journalists posed as business interest in acquiring narcotics and infiltrated Aveo's facilities. Footage captured a director of Aveo, Vinod Sharma, admitting to the harmful nature of their product while still treating it as a commercial venture. His comments suggested a focus on teenage clientele in Nigeria, showing a blatant disregard for public health.
Sharma did not respond to inquiries following the investigation's release. However, the FDA has asserted its commitment to enforce strict regulations and pursue legal action against those involved in illegal drug activities that could tarnish India’s reputation.
The agency has been instructed to enhance its inspection protocols to mitigate the possibility of further illicit supply of these opioids. This decisive response from Indian authorities aims to address and mitigate the rising drug crisis in West Africa, spurred by questionable practices in the pharmaceutical sector.
In a significant move to combat the opioid crisis affecting parts of West Africa, Indian authorities have imposed an immediate ban on two highly addictive opioids—tapentadol and carisoprodol. This decision comes in light of a BBC investigation that revealed the illicit practices of Indian pharmaceutical company Aveo, which had been exporting a dangerous combination of these drugs to countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire.
The Drugs Controller General of India, Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, confirmed in a letter obtained by the BBC that the company’s permission to manufacture and export the harmful drugs has been revoked. In addition, India's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a raid on Aveo's Mumbai facility, resulting in the seizure of their entire stock.
The directive to ban all combinations of the two opioids was issued after a thorough review by officials, who expressed concerns about the potential for drug abuse and its detrimental effects on public health. Tapentadol is a potent opioid, while carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, is notorious for its addictive properties and is banned in Europe. Though approved for short-term use in the US, carisoprodol can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and hallucinations.
The combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol is globally unlicensed due to serious health risks, including the possibility of fatal overdoses. Despite these dangers, these opioids have gained traction as cheap and readily available street drugs in many West African nations.
Recent export data reveals Aveo Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Westfin International, has shipped millions of tablets to multiple West African countries. In Nigeria, where an estimated four million individuals abuse opioids, the demand for these pills is particularly high.
During the investigation, BBC undercover journalists posed as business interest in acquiring narcotics and infiltrated Aveo's facilities. Footage captured a director of Aveo, Vinod Sharma, admitting to the harmful nature of their product while still treating it as a commercial venture. His comments suggested a focus on teenage clientele in Nigeria, showing a blatant disregard for public health.
Sharma did not respond to inquiries following the investigation's release. However, the FDA has asserted its commitment to enforce strict regulations and pursue legal action against those involved in illegal drug activities that could tarnish India’s reputation.
The agency has been instructed to enhance its inspection protocols to mitigate the possibility of further illicit supply of these opioids. This decisive response from Indian authorities aims to address and mitigate the rising drug crisis in West Africa, spurred by questionable practices in the pharmaceutical sector.
