India Bans Export Of Addictive Opiods Following BBC’s Recent Investigation

In a major move to combat the spread of dangerous and highly addictive opioids, Indian authorities have officially banned the manufacturing and export of two controversial drugs. The decision comes after a damning BBC investigation uncovered how these substances were fueling a growing public health crisis in parts of West Africa.

The investigation by BBC Eye found that at the centre of the issue was an Indian pharmaceutical company, Aveo, which had been illegally exporting a potent mix of tapentadol and carisoprodol—two drugs known for their addictive properties. These substances were making their way into countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte D’Ivoire, where they were wreaking havoc on communities, leading to widespread addiction and severe health consequences.

In a letter seen by the BBC, India’s Drugs Controller General, Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, stated that permission to manufacture and export the drugs had been withdrawn. This decision marks a significant step in addressing the misuse of pharmaceutical exports from India, which has long been a major global supplier of generic medicines.

India is known as the “pharmacy of the world,” supplying a large portion of the world’s generic medicines. While this has been beneficial for global healthcare access, it has also made the country a major source of improperly regulated and illicit pharmaceutical exports. The case of Aveo demonstrates how loopholes in regulation can be exploited, allowing harmful substances to be smuggled across international borders.

The ban on these opioids signals India’s commitment to addressing the global drug crisis, but it also highlights the need for continuous vigilance. Pharmaceutical regulations in West African countries affected by this opioid crisis must be tightened, and international cooperation must be strengthened to prevent similar cases from emerging in the future.

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