In a statement released on Friday and signed by its Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC accused the Mumbai-based firm of manufacturing and distributing two harmful drugs—Tafrodol and Royal 225. These products contain a dangerous mix of Tapentadol, a potent opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant. The agency warned that these substances pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and even death.
NAFDAC’s investigation revealed that packets of these drugs, bearing the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo, have been found on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. The agency also uncovered evidence that the company illegally exports high-dose Tramadol (above 100mg), a strength not approved or registered by NAFDAC.
Undercover footage captured by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reportedly shows Vinod Sharma, the company’s manager, admitting to the mass distribution of these opioids for abuse as street drugs across West Africa.
In response to these findings, NAFDAC has taken decisive action to blacklist Aveo Pharmaceuticals and block any future registration of its products in Nigeria. The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health by enforcing international best practices in pharmaceutical regulation. This includes stringent product registration, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections, post-marketing surveillance, and pre-shipment inspections for high-risk imports.
“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect Nigerians from harmful and unregulated pharmaceutical products,” the statement concluded.