The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued Public Alert No. 04/2025, warning Nigerians about the illegal exportation and sale of highly addictive opioids by Indian pharmaceutical company Aveo Pharmaceuticals.
The alert follows an investigation by the BBC, which uncovered that Aveo Pharmaceuticals has been manufacturing and exporting unlicensed opioid medications to West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote D’Ivoire.
The drugs in question include Tapentadol, a potent opioid, and Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant so addictive that it is banned in Europe.
The combination of these two substances, sold under the brand name Tafrodol, is not licensed for medical use anywhere in the world due to its severe health risks.
The agency warns that these drugs can cause breathing difficulties, seizures, and fatal overdoses.
Despite these dangers, they are widely available on the streets of West Africa due to their low cost and easy access.
NAFDAC has urged healthcare professionals and the public to report any suspected sales of Tafrodol or other substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office.
