In a bid to curb the public health emergency spiraling in West Africa, India has banned the export of two potent opioids, tapentadol and carisoprodol, which had been linked to increasing addiction rates in regions like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote D'Ivoire.
India Restricts Opioid Exports Amid West African Health Crisis
India Restricts Opioid Exports Amid West African Health Crisis
India takes decisive action against opioid crisis affecting West Africa following a BBC investigation.
The Indian government responded promptly to a troubling investigation conducted by BBC Eye, which revealed that Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals was illegally exporting these dangerous drug combinations. In a formal notification from India’s Drugs Controller General, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, it was announced that the licenses for manufacturing and export of these opioids have been revoked, with immediate effect. Following this, health authorities conducted a raid on Aveo’s Mumbai factory leading to the seizure of their entire inventory.
Dr. Raghuvanshi's letter emphasized the detrimental impact these drugs have had on public health and cited the alarming potential for abuse. Tapentadol is known for its pain-relieving properties, while carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant that has been linked to addiction and is banned in several countries, including those in Europe. This unapproved combination has not found any legal footing across the globe due to severe health risks such as respiratory failure and seizures, including an increased risk of overdose leading to death.
Despite the dangers, these opioids have become sought-after street drugs in many West African nations due to their affordability and availability. Data reveal that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, together with its partner Westfin International, has shipped substantial quantities of these pills to various countries in the West Africa region. The BBC investigation also unveiled that these drugs were being openly sold on the streets of Nigeria and other cities, raising questions about regulatory enforcement.
Undercover footage from the investigation showed Vinod Sharma, a director at Aveo, acknowledging the harmful nature of the drugs while discussing business practices around their distribution. When confronted by an undercover agent posing as a supplier, Sharma stated that youngsters in Nigeria frequently sought this product for its recreational effects. This chilling admission underscores the urgency of the health crisis facing the region and the subsequent dangers posed by the opioid trade.
In response, India's Food and Drug Administration has ramped up its efforts to prevent similar illegal activities, asserting their commitment to protect public health and safeguard the nation’s reputation. The agency is now on high alert, conducting inspections and indicating future legal actions against any companies complicit in illicit drug dealings.
Dr. Raghuvanshi's letter emphasized the detrimental impact these drugs have had on public health and cited the alarming potential for abuse. Tapentadol is known for its pain-relieving properties, while carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant that has been linked to addiction and is banned in several countries, including those in Europe. This unapproved combination has not found any legal footing across the globe due to severe health risks such as respiratory failure and seizures, including an increased risk of overdose leading to death.
Despite the dangers, these opioids have become sought-after street drugs in many West African nations due to their affordability and availability. Data reveal that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, together with its partner Westfin International, has shipped substantial quantities of these pills to various countries in the West Africa region. The BBC investigation also unveiled that these drugs were being openly sold on the streets of Nigeria and other cities, raising questions about regulatory enforcement.
Undercover footage from the investigation showed Vinod Sharma, a director at Aveo, acknowledging the harmful nature of the drugs while discussing business practices around their distribution. When confronted by an undercover agent posing as a supplier, Sharma stated that youngsters in Nigeria frequently sought this product for its recreational effects. This chilling admission underscores the urgency of the health crisis facing the region and the subsequent dangers posed by the opioid trade.
In response, India's Food and Drug Administration has ramped up its efforts to prevent similar illegal activities, asserting their commitment to protect public health and safeguard the nation’s reputation. The agency is now on high alert, conducting inspections and indicating future legal actions against any companies complicit in illicit drug dealings.
