NAFDAC blacklists Indian firm for importing hard drugs
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has blacklisted an Indian firm, Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, over alleged production and importation of dangerous opioid combinations into West Africa, including Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Friday, NAFDAC accused the Indian company of producing and distributing Tafrodol and Royal 225—drugs containing a harmful mix of Tapentadol, an opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant.
These substances pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and death.
The statement reads: “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has officially blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an Indian company implicated in the illegal production and exportation of highly dangerous opioid combinations into West Africa, including Nigeria.
“Investigations have revealed that the company, managed by Vinod Sharma on the outskirts of Mumbai, is responsible for manufacturing and distributing Tafrodol and Royal 225—drugs containing a harmful mix of Tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant. These substances pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and death.”
The agency noted that an investigation conducted by the British Broadcasting Corporation “exposed how packets of these drugs, branded with the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo, have been found on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.”
NAFDAC added: “Further evidence confirmed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals is also involved in the illegal exportation of high-dose Tramadol above 100mg, a strength not registered or approved by NAFDAC. Undercover footage captured Vinod Sharma admitting to the mass distribution of these opioids for abuse as street drugs across West Africa.
“Given the severity of these findings, NAFDAC has taken decisive action to blacklist Aveo Pharmaceuticals and block any future registration of its products in Nigeria.”
The agency further reaffirmed its commitment to “protecting public health by enforcing international best practices in pharmaceutical regulation, including stringent product registration, Good Manufacturing Practice inspections, post-marketing surveillance, and pre-shipment inspections for high-risk imports.”
NAFDAC stated that it had also intensified enforcement operations against illicit pharmaceuticals in major drug distribution hubs across the country.
“To further safeguard Nigerians, NAFDAC urges the public to avoid unregistered medicines and only use prescription drugs dispensed by licensed healthcare professionals.
“With continued vigilance and public support, NAFDAC will persist in its fight against the circulation of fake, substandard, and dangerous pharmaceuticals in Nigeria,” the statement added.
