3 hours ago
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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian company, over its involvement in the production and exportation of illegal opioids to West Africa, including Nigeria.
According to NAFDAC, Aveo Pharmaceuticals, managed by Vinod Sharma, has been producing and exporting a combination of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant with addictive properties, to countries in West Africa.
The agency revealed that the illegal opioid brands, including Tafrodol and Royal-225, have been found on sale in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote D’Ivoire, and are causing opioid dependence and other health problems.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that the agency has never registered Tafrodol or Royal-225, or any product manufactured by Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited.
Adeyeye warned the public to avoid using unregistered products and consuming medicines without prescription from trained medical practitioners.
The agency has intensified its enforcement activities against the sale of illicit and counterfeit pharmaceuticals across major distribution channels and hubs across the country.
NAFDAC is working with other regulatory authorities and security agencies to curb the entry of illegal opioids into Nigeria and prevent their distribution and circulation.
The agency has assured the public that it will continue to deploy various methods to ensure that only quality, safe, and efficacious medicines are available for distribution, sale, and use within Nigeria.
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