The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Indian pharmaceutical company, Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, over its alleged involvement in the production and distribution of dangerous opioid drug combinations into West Africa, including Nigeria.
The agency’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the decision in a statement on Friday, citing the company’s role in manufacturing Tafrodol and Royal 225—drugs containing Tapentadol, a potent opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant.
According to NAFDAC, these substances pose serious health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and death.
An investigation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reportedly uncovered how drugs bearing the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo were found on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Undercover footage further implicated the company’s manager, Vinod Sharma, who allegedly admitted to exporting the opioid-laced drugs across West Africa.
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NAFDAC also accused the company of illegally exporting high-dose Tramadol above 100mg—a strength not registered or approved by the agency.
In response to the findings, NAFDAC has blocked all future registration of Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ products in Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health through stringent pharmaceutical regulations and continuous surveillance.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drugs or activities as part of its ongoing crackdown on counterfeit and harmful pharmaceuticals.