Indian authorities have banned two potent opioids to combat a growing public health crisis in West Africa, following an investigation by the BBC. The Drugs Controller General, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, has revoked permissions for the manufacturing and export of tapentadol and carisoprodol after uncovering illegal trade activities by Mumbai's Aveo Pharmaceuticals. The investigation revealed that Aveo had been exporting this dangerous narcotic combo to several West African nations, including Ghana and Nigeria.
After national officials reviewed the deadly consequences of these drugs, the ban took effect immediately. Tapentadol, an opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant banned in Europe, are infamous for causing severe addiction and health risks. Despite the dangers, the drugs are widespread and cheap in West African markets, leading to alarming abuse rates, especially in Nigeria, where about four million people are estimated to misuse opioids.
Undercover footage showed an Aveo director confront the reality of selling these drugs and their harmful effects, demonstrating a concerning attitude towards public health in pursuit of profit. India's FDA seized the entire stock of Aveo as part of a sting operation and promised further actions to prevent such illegal activities from tarnishing the country's reputation.
