The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Indian pharmaceutical company Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited over its alleged production and importation of dangerous opioid combinations into West Africa, including Nigeria.
According to NAFDAC, investigations revealed that the company, managed by Vinod Sharma on the outskirts of Mumbai, was responsible for manufacturing and distributing Tafrodol and Royal 225—drugs containing a harmful 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.
A recent investigation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) uncovered evidence that packets of these drugs, branded with the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo, have been found on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Additionally, further findings confirmed that the company was 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. In response, NAFDAC announced that Aveo Pharmaceuticals has been blacklisted, and any future registration of its products in Nigeria has been blocked.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health by enforcing strict pharmaceutical regulations, including stringent product registration, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections, post-marketing surveillance, and pre-shipment inspections for high-risk imports.
This move is part of Nigeria’s broader crackdown on illegal drug distribution as authorities intensify efforts to curb the influx of unregulated and dangerous substances into the country.
