Indian authorities have taken decisive action to curb the supply of two highly addictive opioids that have been linked to a public health crisis in parts of West Africa. The move follows a BBC investigation revealing that these drugs, which were being illegally exported to countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, have contributed to an escalating drug abuse problem in the region.
In a letter seen by the BBC, Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, India’s Drugs Controller General, confirmed that permission for the manufacturing and export of a harmful combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol has been revoked. The decision follows an investigation by BBC Eye that exposed the illegal practices of Aveo Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company based in India.
Tapentadol, a potent opioid painkiller, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, are known to have severe addictive properties. The combination of these drugs is particularly dangerous, as it can cause respiratory problems, seizures, and even death if taken in excessive amounts. Despite these risks, the drugs have gained popularity in West Africa, where they are cheap, easily accessible, and widely abused.
Carisoprodol is banned in Europe due to its high potential for abuse, but it is still approved for use in the United States—albeit only for short periods. Withdrawal symptoms from carisoprodol include anxiety, insomnia, and hallucinations, which can exacerbate the cycle of addiction. The combination of these drugs has never been licensed for use anywhere in the world due to the serious health risks they pose.
The investigation revealed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals had been illegally exporting millions of these dangerous drugs to West Africa. Through publicly available export data, it was found that Aveo, along with its sister company Westfin International, had shipped large quantities of tapentadol and carisoprodol to countries like Ghana and Nigeria.
The situation in Nigeria is particularly concerning, as it has become the largest market for these opioids in West Africa. Nigeria, with a population of over 225 million, is facing a severe opioid abuse crisis. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, approximately four million Nigerians abuse some form of opioid, with street drugs like tapentadol and carisoprodol contributing significantly to the problem.
In addition to the illegal exports, the BBC World Service found that packets of these opioids were being sold on the streets of major Nigerian cities and towns across Côte d’Ivoire. The sale of these dangerous drugs on the black market has further exacerbated the public health crisis in the region.
One of the key findings of the BBC investigation was the ease with which these opioids were available in West Africa. The drugs were often sold at affordable prices, making them accessible to young people, including teenagers. The growing demand for these opioids in West Africa has prompted concerns from health experts and law enforcement officials who fear that the region may face long-term health and social consequences.
As part of the investigation, the BBC sent an undercover operative posing as an African businessman seeking to supply opioids to Nigeria. The operative visited one of Aveo’s factories in India, where he filmed a meeting with Vinod Sharma, one of Aveo’s directors.
In the secretly recorded footage, the operative discusses plans to sell the pills to teenagers in Nigeria, explaining that the young people “all love this product.” Sharma appears to acknowledge the addictive nature of the drugs, saying, “OK,” and explains that if users take two or three pills at once, they can “relax” and get “high.” Towards the end of the conversation, Sharma warns, “This is very harmful for the health,” before adding, “nowadays, this is business.”
Despite the investigation’s findings, neither Sharma nor Aveo Pharmaceuticals responded to requests for comment when the story was initially published.
Following the investigation, Indian authorities took immediate action to halt the production and export of these dangerous opioids. The country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided Aveo’s factory in Mumbai, seizing its entire stock of tapentadol and carisoprodol. The FDA has since halted further production of the drugs and announced that legal action will be taken against the company.
The FDA has also vowed to carry out further inspections to prevent any future illegal supply of these opioids. In a statement, the agency said it was “fully prepared” to take action against anyone involved in illegal activities that tarnish the reputation of the country. The crackdown on Aveo Pharmaceuticals is part of India’s broader efforts to combat the growing problem of drug abuse, both domestically and internationally.
The ban on the export of tapentadol and carisoprodol to West Africa comes at a time when the global opioid crisis is making headlines. The abuse of opioids has become a public health emergency in many parts of the world, with countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom grappling with rising addiction rates and overdose deaths.
In West Africa, the situation is particularly concerning due to the widespread availability of illicit drugs like tapentadol and carisoprodol, which are often sold on the black market at low prices. The abuse of these opioids has been linked to rising rates of addiction, mental health issues, and social instability in the region.
While the recent actions taken by Indian authorities represent an important step in curbing the supply of dangerous opioids, experts argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of drug abuse in West Africa. This includes strengthening law enforcement efforts to crack down on illegal drug trafficking, as well as increasing public awareness of the risks associated with opioid abuse.
In addition to regulatory measures, public health campaigns that focus on prevention and education are also essential to tackling the opioid crisis. These campaigns should aim to reduce the demand for these drugs by educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse and offering support to those struggling with addiction.
The investigation has shed light on the dangerous practices of pharmaceutical companies like Aveo, which have contributed to the public health crisis in West Africa. By taking action against these companies, Indian authorities are sending a strong message that illegal drug production and trafficking will not be tolerated.
