An Indian pharmaceutical company, Aveo Pharmaceuticals, stands accused of manufacturing and exporting unlicensed, highly addictive opioids to West Africa. This illegal activity is contributing to a significant public health crisis in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire. Aveo Pharmaceuticals has reportedly been shipping millions of these tablets to West African nations, exacerbating the opioid crisis that is already deeply affecting these regions.
The Indian government acknowledges its global public health responsibilities and is committed to ensuring a robust pharmaceutical regulatory system. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India's drugs regulator, has taken the issue seriously, engaging in dialogue with affected countries, including those in West Africa. They are determined to collaborate with international partners to prevent further wrongdoing. The CDSCO assures that exports from India are closely monitored under stricter regulations.
Aveo Pharmaceuticals recently began exporting a new pill combining tapentadol with the muscle relaxant carisoprodol. This product is deemed more dangerous than tramadol, which it has effectively replaced. Tramadol abuse was widespread in Nigeria, with an estimated four million Nigerians involved. Carisoprodol, banned in Europe due to its addictive nature, adds to the concerns surrounding this new pill.
Dr. Lekhansh Shukla, assistant professor at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in Bengaluru, India, explained that tapentadol "gives the effects of an opioid," including inducing very deep sleep. This reveals the potential hazards linked with the combination pill released by Aveo Pharmaceuticals.
"This is very harmful for the health," – Vinod Sharma
Investigations by the BBC uncovered that similar products made by Aveo Pharmaceuticals have been seized by police in Ghana. In 2018, Nigerian authorities attempted to control the misuse of tramadol, a widely abused opioid painkiller.
"Nigerian journalists have been reporting on this opioid crisis for more than 20 years but finally, I was face to face… with one of the men at the root of Africa's opioid crisis, one of the men who actually makes this product and ships it into our countries by the container load. He knew the harm it was doing but he didn't seem to care… describing it simply as business." – BBC's undercover operative
West African officials express concerns that opioid exporters may be using these new combination pills as substitutes for tramadol to bypass regulatory crackdowns. The pharmaceutical industry's exports are reported to be worth at least $28 billion annually.
In response to this crisis, local authorities in Nigeria have been taking drastic measures to combat the distribution and consumption of these opioids. A significant amount of seized drugs have been destroyed publicly.
"We are burning it in an open glare for everybody to see," – Zickay
"so it sends a signal to the sellers and the suppliers: if they get you, they'll burn your drugs" – Zickay
Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa has voiced his concerns about the situation, emphasizing its devastating impact on Nigerian society.
"devastating our youths, our families, it's in every community in Nigeria" – Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa
The ongoing opioid crisis threatens the stability and well-being of communities across West Africa. Authorities from both India and affected countries must work collaboratively to address this issue effectively.