- India bans the manufacture and export of tapentadol and carisoprodol after a BBC investigation exposes their illegal distribution in West Africa.
- Authorities raid Aveo Pharmaceuticals, seizing 1.3 crore tablets, as the government enforces stricter drug regulations to combat opioid abuse.
India has banned the manufacture and export of two addictive opioids, tapentadol and carisoprodol, following a BBC investigation that exposed their illegal distribution and public health impact in West Africa.
The decision, issued by Drugs Controller General Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, takes immediate effect and aims to curb drug abuse linked to these substances.
Tapentadol is a potent opioid used for pain relief, while carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant known for its addictive properties. The combination of these drugs, unapproved for use worldwide, has been found to cause severe health issues, including breathing difficulties, seizures, and potential fatal overdoses.
Despite these risks, they have been widely available on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, fueling an opioid crisis.
The BBC investigation revealed that Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals had been illegally exporting this drug combination under various brand names. Public export records indicate that Aveo, along with its sister company Westfin International, had shipped millions of these tablets to West African markets.
In undercover footage, Aveo’s director Vinod Sharma was recorded discussing the effects of the drugs, acknowledging their harmful nature but referring to them as part of the business.
Following the report, Indian authorities took swift action. State and central drug inspectors raided Aveo’s factory in Maharashtra, seizing a stockpile of 1.3 crore tablets and batches of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issued a stop-production order to the company and revoked all export and manufacturing permissions for the drug combination.
The Indian health ministry reaffirmed its commitment to pharmaceutical safety, stating,
“India, as a leading global supplier of pharmaceuticals, is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of drug safety and regulatory compliance.”
Authorities have also alerted customs offices to closely monitor related shipments.
Aveo Pharmaceuticals has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “baseless and without merit.” The company claimed that its exports followed regulatory approvals and that the BBC report misrepresented its role.
However, Indian authorities remain firm in their stance, reinforcing their zero-tolerance policy against the illegal distribution of unapproved and harmful drugs.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
