WATCH THE VIDEO HERE THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an Indian company, for allegedly manufacturing and importing dangerous opioid combinations into West Africa, including Nigeria. In a statement issued today, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the company was responsible for producing and distributing Tafrodol and Royal 225, which contain a hazardous mix of Tapentadol, a potent opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant. These substances pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and death. An investigation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) uncovered how these drugs, bearing the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo, were found in circulation across Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. The agency further disclosed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals was illegally exporting high-dose Tramadol (above 100mg)—a strength not registered or approved by NAFDAC. Undercover footage also captured Vinod Sharma, the company’s manager, admitting to mass distribution of these opioids as street drugs across West Africa. Due to the severity of these violations, NAFDAC has blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals and prohibited the registration of any of its products in Nigeria. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through strict pharmaceutical regulations, including product registration, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections, post-marketing surveillance, and pre-shipment checks for high-risk imports.
NAFDAC blacklists Indian firm for importing illegal drugs
