India’s Food and Drug Administration has banned two addictive opioids, tapentadol and carisoprodol, following a BBC investigation that revealed illegal exports to West Africa. Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals was found supplying the unregistered drugs to Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, fueling a regional public health crisis.
A raid on Aveo’s factory led to the seizure of its entire stock, and India’s Drugs Controller General, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, revoked manufacturing and export licenses. The powerful opioid-muscle relaxant combination is not licensed for use globally due to risks including breathing difficulties, seizures, and potential fatality.
With an estimated four million Nigerians abusing opioids, the ban aims to curb the illicit trade threatening lives across the region.
