The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an Indian pharmaceutical company, for illegally manufacturing and exporting dangerous opioid combinations into West Africa, including Nigeria.
Illegal Drug Distribution Exposed
NAFDAC's decision follows an investigation linking the company to the production of Tafrodol and Royal 225, drugs containing Tapentadol (a potent opioid) and Carisoprodol (a banned muscle relaxant). The agency emphasized that these substances pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and death.
According to NAFDAC:
"We have never registered Tafrodol, Royal 225, or any Tramadol product above 100mg, nor have we approved any products from Aveo Pharmaceuticals. Based on our regulations, we are blacklisting the company and prohibiting future registrations of its products in Nigeria."
BBC Investigation Uncovers Distribution Network
A BBC World Service investigation revealed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals' opioids were being sold illegally on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire.
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The report exposed the company's involvement in the illegal exportation of high-dose Tramadol (above 100mg)—a strength that is neither registered nor approved by NAFDAC.
Undercover footage also captured Vinod Sharma, a representative of Aveo Pharmaceuticals, admitting to the mass distribution of these opioids as street drugs across West Africa.
NAFDAC's Commitment to Public Safety
In response, NAFDAC has:
Blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals and blocked future registrations of its products.
Increased enforcement operations at major drug distribution hubs.
Tightened surveillance on high-risk pharmaceutical imports through Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections and pre-shipment checks.
The agency warned Nigerians to avoid unregistered medicines and only use prescription drugs dispensed by licensed healthcare professionals.
