In a decisive move, Indian health officials have banned the highly addictive opioids tapentadol and carisoprodol, following evidence of their exploitation in West Africa leading to a public health catastrophe. The Drugs Controller General of India, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, issued a letter noting that permission for the manufacture and export of these pharmaceuticals was revoked after a detailed BBC investigation.
The report uncovered that Aveo Pharmaceuticals had been illicitly exporting dangerous combinations of these opioids to nations such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire. In light of the findings, India's Food and Drug Administration conducted a raid on Aveo’s Mumbai facility, confiscating their entire stock in a bid to mitigate the drug's harmful impact.
Dr. Raghuvanshi highlighted the rising concern over potential drug abuse and its adverse effects on populations while emphasizing the immediate implementation of the ban on all variations of tapentadol and carisoprodol.
While tapentadol is a potent opioid, carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, is notorious for its addictive qualities, leading it to be banned in Europe. It remains approved in the US only for short-term use due to withdrawal symptoms that include anxiety and insomnia. Neither drug combination is sanctioned for any market worldwide due to severe risks, including respiratory complications and the possibility of fatal overdose; however, they have found a market as inexpensive recreational drugs in parts of West Africa.
Investigations highlighted the rampant prevalence of these drugs on West African streets, particularly in Nigeria, where they are reportedly abused by around four million individuals according to national statistics. The BBC's undercover footage revealed Aveo's director, Vinod Sharma, acknowledging the harmful nature of their products while prioritizing business interests over public health.
Aveo Pharmaceuticals, along with its sister company, Westfin International, had previously shipped millions of these pills, easily recognized by their branding, across West African nations. Following the alarming findings, India's Food and Drug Administration stated that they will pursue legal action against the company and enhance inspections to prevent the flow of these dangerous substances.
As regional health crises intensify, experts stress that proactive measures are essential to combat the opioid epidemic in West Africa.
