The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Indian pharmaceutical company, Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, for allegedly producing and exporting dangerous opioid combinations to West African countries, including Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, accused the company of manufacturing **Tafrodol** and **Royal 225** — drugs containing **Tapentadol**, a powerful opioid, and **Carisoprodol**, a banned muscle relaxant. The combination poses severe health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, and death.
The agency cited an investigation by the BBC that revealed the drugs, branded with Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ logo, were being sold on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Additionally, Aveo Pharmaceuticals was found to be illegally exporting **high-dose Tramadol** above the approved 100mg strength into Nigeria.
NAFDAC vowed to block the registration of any products from the company and urged the public to avoid unregistered medicines. The agency reiterated its commitment to fighting the circulation of substandard and dangerous pharmaceuticals across Nigeria.
