Uncovering the Source of Illicit Opioids in West Africa: FDA Responds to BBC Investigation.

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has responded to a recent investigation by BBC Africa Eye, which exposed the illegal shipment of unapproved opioids, including tapentadol and carisoprodol, to Ghana from India’s Aveo Pharmaceuticals.

In its response, the FDA made it clear that neither of these drugs has been authorized for use in Ghana. Tapentadol, an opioid known for its potency, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, pose serious health risks, including the potential for addiction and severe side effects such as respiratory collapse and confusion.

The FDA emphasized that no import permits for products containing these substances have been processed by the Centre for Import and Export Control, rendering their presence in Ghana illegal. Authorities seized a shipment containing these drugs in December 2023, which was headed for Niger. The seized goods, including 181 cartons of Royal 225mg (a combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol) and 90 cartons of Tafradol 120mg, were destroyed under a court order in January 2025.

Furthermore, the FDA has taken steps against local businesses linked to Aveo Pharmaceuticals. Samos Pharma, a licensed importer, has been ordered to halt any further business dealings with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and its exporter, Westfin International Private Limited. The FDA has also suspended the processing of registration applications from Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, which had contracted Aveo Pharmaceuticals for manufacturing purposes.

These measures reflect the FDA’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health by preventing the distribution of unauthorized and potentially harmful drugs in Ghana.