From Tramadol To Tafrodol: Checkout How BBC Officials Unmasked The New Addictive Drug And The Masterminds Behind Its Production

Drug abuse in Ghana and the entire West African sub-region has escalated into a significant public health and socio-economic concern. The issue has been worsened following the surge in the use of illegal narcotics and the lack of a structured regulatory framework, resulting in widespread addiction and its underlying problems.

The widespread drug addiction cases in Ghana are gradually affecting the country in several adverse ways, which will worsen if the menace is not eliminated.

In a recent report by the BBC, it came to light that a new drug has made its way to the market, driving so many vibrant youths into doom. This said drug is called Tafrodol, a modified version of the most talked-about pain relief drug, Tramadol.

Tafrodol, a pain relief pill that has made its way to several “ghettos” across Ghana and beyond, is the new replacement for Tramadol. In a documentary posted by the BBC, hundreds of Tafrodol tablets were confiscated after a raid at one of the major “ghettos” located in the hearts of Tamale. The town folks allegedly formed a community task force to help deal with the increased rate of substance abuse in the area.

Following this shocking discovery by the BBC, they made a follow-up digging into the origination of the harmful drug. They discovered that Tafrodol was manufactured by a pharmaceutical company in India named Aveo Pharmaceuticals.

BBC officials made a surprise visit to the company’s premises in Mumbai-India disguised as potential clients. They discovered the exact drug, “Tafrodol,” which they discovered in Ghana as well as other West African countries being produced in mass quantities. The officials discovered other variants of the drug, such as Super Royal and Tima King.

The officials held a meeting with one of Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ directors, Vinod Sharma. During the interview, Mr. Sharma was asked about the health risks involved in the intake of this drug, and he replied that “tafrodol” was a very harmful substance. He also stated that younger adults are much happier when they get high on the drug; therefore, he overlooks the potential health hazards and treats the distribution of the drug as a business.

When asked about shipment, he opted for sea shipping, stating that there were much stricter legal constraints by using air freight. He also assured the officials about his ability to bypass customs checks while shipping out the harmful drugs from India, clear evidence of the loopholes in the legal framework.

Drug addiction will bring doom to Ghana and Africa at large if not properly checked and controlled. It poses several challenges to the total well-being of the populace at large.

Talking about the effects of drug addiction let’s not forget it is induced by certain factors. Some of these factors are peer pressure, a high rate of unemployment, a weak law enforcement system, and many more.

The weak law enforcement system is a major concern that needs to be checked in the quickest time possible. Our weak law enforcement system and high rate of corruption give way to easy infiltration of illegal substances that account for easy accessibility, thereby increasing the rate of addiction. 

To address Ghana’s substance addiction issue and get addicts off our streets, several countermeasures must be used.

It all begins with a collective effort from every powerhouse to solve the problem at hand. I believe we can kick-start this recovery journey through education and creating awareness.

Ensuring strict adherence to drug control policies by both national and international agencies will also contribute immensely to eliminating substance abuse in Ghana and beyond.

Coming together as a nation to fight this imminent problem will guarantee the safety and growth of the oncoming generation.

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