- NAFDAC has permanently blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals and blocked the registration of its products in Nigeria.
- The company manufactured Tafrodol and Royal 225, which contain Tapentadol and Carisoprodol
- The firm was also found exporting high dose of Tramadol above 100 mg
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an Indian company, for allegedly manufacturing and importing dangerous opioid combinations into Nigeria and other West African countries.
In a statement released on Friday, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, accused the company of producing and distributing Tafrodol and Royal 225, two drugs that contain a hazardous mix of Tapentadol, a potent opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant.
These substances pose serious health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and even death.
The agency stated:
“NAFDAC has officially blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an Indian company involved in the unlawful production and distribution of highly dangerous opioid combinations in West Africa, including Nigeria.”
An investigation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) exposed how these drugs, bearing the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo, were found being sold illegally on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Further findings revealed that the company, managed by Vinod Sharma in Mumbai, was also involved in the illegal exportation of high-dose Tramadol (above 100mg), a strength not approved by NAFDAC.
Undercover footage reportedly showed Sharma admitting to distributing these opioids on a large scale for illicit use across West Africa.
In response to these findings, NAFDAC has permanently blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals and barred any future registration of its products in Nigeria.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through strict pharmaceutical regulations, product registration, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections, post-marketing surveillance, and pre-shipment checks for high-risk imports.
Additionally, NAFDAC has intensified enforcement operations against illicit pharmaceuticals in major drug distribution hubs across the country.
NAFDAC has urged Nigerians to avoid unregistered medicines and only use prescription drugs dispensed by licensed healthcare professionals.
The agency also emphasised the importance of public vigilance in the fight against fake, substandard, and dangerous pharmaceuticals in the country.
“With continuous surveillance and public support, NAFDAC remains committed to curbing the circulation of harmful and illegal drugs in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
NAFDAC uncovers counterfeit alcohol operations reportedly worth N2b in Lagos
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered illegal counterfeit alcohol packaging operations at the Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos State.
The operation, which resulted in the seizure of over N2 billion worth of goods, marks a significant effort to protect public health and safety from hazardous alcoholic beverages flooding the market.