Victoria Mbangwa
In a significant move to curb the spread of illicit opioids in West Africa, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an Indian drug manufacturer, over its involvement in the illegal production and distribution of highly addictive and potentially fatal opioid drugs.
The regulatory action follows an investigative report by the BBC World Service, which uncovered the widespread sale of Aveo-manufactured opioids on the streets of Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
These drugs, branded as Tafrodol and Royal 225, contain a dangerous combination of Tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant known for its addictive properties.
A covert operation recorded Aveo’s manager, Vinod Sharma, admitting to mass-producing and exporting these unregistered drugs to West Africa, where they have fueled a growing opioid crisis.
The BBC report also linked Aveo Pharmaceuticals to the production of high-dose Tramadol (250mg)—far exceeding the legally approved 100mg prescription limit—which is being smuggled into Nigeria and other African countries.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, warned that these drugs pose serious health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, and fatal overdoses. “This combination of drugs is not licensed for use anywhere in the world, neither is it registered by NAFDAC and can cause breathing difficulties and seizures. An overdose can kill,” she stated, emphasizing that Nigeria has never approved or registered Tafrodol, Royal 225, or any other Aveo-manufactured product.
Despite the dangers, these opioids remain popular among street users due to their affordability and easy accessibility. They are often abused in local communities, leading to a rising number of cases of opioid dependence and overdose deaths.
To prevent the continued infiltration of illicit pharmaceuticals, NAFDAC has strengthened enforcement activities across major drug distribution hubs in Nigeria.
This includes border security collaborations with other regulatory authorities to block the entry of these harmful drugs into the country.
The agency is also intensifying its Post-Marketing Surveillance and Pre-Shipment Inspection Scheme (CRIA), particularly for pharmaceuticals coming from high-risk countries like India.
These efforts are aimed at eliminating substandard, counterfeit, and unwholesome pharmaceutical products from circulation in Nigeria.
NAFDAC has urged the public to avoid unregistered medications and only use prescription drugs approved by trained medical professionals.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only safe, high-quality medicines are available in Nigeria.
“This is a fight for public health, and we need the support of all Nigerians to combat the circulation of these dangerous drugs,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.
With continued regulatory crackdowns and public cooperation, NAFDAC aims to make Nigeria an uncomfortable place for the production and distribution of illicit pharmaceuticals.
