India has banned the export of two highly addictive opioids—tapentadol and carisoprodol—following a BBC investigation that exposed their illegal shipment to Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire by Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals. The unregistered drugs, fueling a public health crisis in West Africa, led to a raid by India’s Food and Drug Administration, resulting in the seizure of Aveo’s stock, halted production, and impending legal action.
India’s Drugs Controller General, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, revoked their manufacturing and export approval due to severe health risks, including breathing difficulties, seizures, and fatal overdoses. Despite these dangers, the drugs were widely sold in West Africa, with Nigeria being the largest market. A BBC undercover operation captured an Aveo director admitting their harm but justifying sales for profit. Authorities have vowed further crackdowns to prevent illegal drug exports.