India Takes Action Against Opioid Crisis Impacting West Africa

The Indian government has responded to a concerning investigation that unveiled the illegal exportation of addictive opioids to West Africa, where they have contributed to a growing health crisis.

India's Drugs Controller General, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, has officially banned the manufacture and export of the opioids tapentadol and carisoprodol, a response prompted by revelations from a BBC report. The investigation disclosed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals was involved in selling this dangerous combination across West African countries, particularly Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

In light of the investigation, which indicated severe abuse potential and health risks associated with these drugs, the Indian authorities have taken swift action. Dr. Raghuvanshi’s circular, reported by the BBC, detailed that the ban on all combinations of tapentadol and carisoprodol will be effective immediately. Following the BBC’s findings, Aveo's Mumbai facility was raided, and all stocks of the drugs were seized.

Tapentadol, known for its strong opioid effects, paired with carisoprodol—a muscle relaxant that poses addiction risks and is banned in Europe—comprises a dangerous mix. Although carisoprodol is approved for short-term use in the U.S., it carries severe withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. Due to their affordability and accessibility, these opioids have emerged as popular illicit substances in several West African nations.

Public data reveals that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with its affiliate Westfin International, has exported millions of pills to West Africa. The BBC's investigation also uncovered these products being sold openly on the streets of Nigeria and neighboring countries. According to the National Bureau of Statistics in Nigeria, an alarming four million citizens are thought to engage in opioid abuse.

A shocking aspect of the investigation involved an undercover operation that filmed an Aveo director, Vinod Sharma, acknowledging the harm of the drugs while highlighting their popularity amongst youth in Nigeria. The footage revealed discussions that trivialized the substance's dangers as merely a business concern.

In response to the gravity of the situation, India's Food and Drug Administration has announced that it will escalate legal actions against Aveo Pharmaceuticals and increase inspections to safeguard against illegal drug distribution, emphasizing its commitment to uphold the integrity of India’s reputation in global pharmaceuticals.