India’s Drugs Controller has banned the manufacturing and export of tapentadol and carisoprodol after a BBC report revealed their contribution to opioid abuse in Nigeria and Ghana. Following a raid on Aveo Pharmaceuticals, the responsible company, authorities aim to combat illegal drug trafficking and protect public health.
India Takes Decisive Action Against Opioid Exports Contributing to West African Crisis
India Takes Decisive Action Against Opioid Exports Contributing to West African Crisis
In response to a BBC investigation, Indian authorities have enacted an immediate ban on two addictive opioids linked to a growing public health crisis in West Africa.
India's Drugs Controller General, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, has announced an immediate ban on the manufacture and export of two highly addictive opioids, tapentadol and carisoprodol. This decisive action comes after a revealing investigation by the BBC that highlighted the damaging effects these drugs have had on public health in various West African nations, particularly Nigeria and Ghana.
The investigation uncovered that Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals was illicitly exporting these dangerous drug combinations to countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire. Following this exposé, India’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a raid on the company's facility in Mumbai, seizing its entire stock of opioids.
In a letter cited by the BBC, Dr. Raghuvanshi detailed that the decision to ban these drugs was influenced by an exploration of the potential for drug misuse and its dire impact on communities. Tapentadol is categorized as a potent opioid, while carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, carries notable addictive properties, leading it to be banned in European countries. Although the latter is permitted in the U.S., it is only for short-term use due to its risk of withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and hallucinations.
The combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol is not authorized for use in any region due to the serious health risks it poses, such as respiratory complications and fatal overdoses. Despite their dangers, these opioids have gained popularity in the streets of many West African countries for their low cost and easy availability.
A BBC investigation traced exports of these drugs, where Aveo and its sister company, Westfin International, shipped millions of pills to West Africa. Undercover footage showed an Aveo executive, Vinod Sharma, discussing the dangerous products with an investigator posing as a drug supplier, acknowledging the harmful effects yet labeling it as merely a business opportunity.
In response to these alarming findings, the Indian FDA has emphasized its commitment to tackling illegal drug activities and preserving the nation's integrity. They are poised to conduct additional inspections and pursue further legal actions against those involved in illicit practices that compromise public health and safety.
