BBC Undercover Filming Exposes Indian Pharma Firm Fueling Opioid Crisis
An Indian pharmaceutical company is producing unlicensed, highly addictive opioids—a mixture of tapentadol, a potent opioid, combined with the muscle relaxant carisoprodol—and illegally exporting them to West Africa. This has led to a significant public health crisis in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire, as revealed by a BBC Eye investigation.
BBC Eye Investigations | BBC World ServiceBBC Eye Investigations | BBC World Service
An Indian pharmaceutical company is manufacturing unlicensed, highly addictive opioids and exporting them illegally to West Africa where they are driving a major public health crisis in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire, a BBC Eye investigation has revealed.
Aveo Pharmaceuticals, based in Mumbai, makes a range of pills that go under different brand names and are packaged to look like legitimate medicines. But all contain the same harmful mix of ingredients: tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant so addictive it's banned in Europe.
This combination of drugs is not licensed for use anywhere in the world and can cause breathing difficulties and seizures. An overdose can kill. Despite the risks, these opioids are popular as street drugs in many West African countries, because they are so cheap and widely available.
The BBC World Service found packets of them, branded with the Aveo logo, for sale on the streets of Ghanaian, Nigerian, and Ivoirian towns and cities.
Having traced the drugs back to Aveo's factory in India, the BBC sent an undercover operative inside the factory, posing as an African businessman looking to supply opioids to Nigeria. Using a hidden camera, the BBC filmed one of Aveo's directors, Vinod Sharma, showing off the same dangerous products the BBC found for sale across West Africa.
In the secretly recorded footage, the operative tells Sharma that his plan is to sell the pills to teenagers in Nigeria "who all love this product". Sharma doesn't flinch. "OK," he replies, before explaining that if users take two or three pills at once, they can "relax" and agrees they can get "high". Towards the end of the meeting, Sharma says: "This is very harmful for the health," adding "nowadays, this is business."
Filmed secretly, Vinod Sharma said Aveo's cocktail drug was "very harmful", adding "this is business."
It is a business that is damaging the health and destroying the potential of millions of young people across West Africa.
In the city of Tamale, in northern Ghana, so many young people are taking illegal opioids that one of the city's chiefs, Alhassan Maham, has created a voluntary task force of about 100 local citizens whose mission is to raid drug dealers and take these pills off the streets.
"The drugs consume the sanity of those who abuse them," says Maham, "like a fire burns when kerosene is poured on it." One addict in Tamale put it even more simply. The drugs, he said, have "wasted our lives".
The BBC team followed the task force as they jumped on to motorbikes and, following a tip off about a drug deal, launched a raid in one of Tamale's poorest neighborhoods. On the way they passed a young man slumped in a stupor who, according to locals, had taken these drugs.
The task force in Tamale believe this man had taken Tafrodol, which was found in the raid
When the dealer was caught, he was carrying a plastic bag filled with green pills labelled Tafrodol. The packets were stamped with the distinctive logo of Aveo Pharmaceuticals.
It's not just in Tamale that Aveo's pills are causing misery. The BBC found similar products, made by Aveo, have been seized by police elsewhere in Ghana.
We also found evidence that Aveo's pills are for sale on the streets of Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire, where teenagers dissolve them in an alcoholic energy drink to increase the high.
Publicly-available export data show that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, along with a sister company called Westfin International, is shipping millions of these tablets to Ghana and other West African countries.
Nigeria, with a population of 225 million people, provides the biggest market for these pills. It has been estimated that about four million Nigerians abuse some form of opioid, according to Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics.
The Chairman of Nigeria's Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, told the BBC, opioids are "devastating our youths, our families, it's in every community in Nigeria."
Packets of Tafrodol with Aveo branding were seized in the raid in Tamale, in Ghana
In 2018, following a BBC Africa Eye investigation into the sale of opioids as street drugs, Nigerian authorities tried to get a grip on a widely abused opioid painkiller called tramadol.
The government banned the sale of tramadol without a prescription, imposed strict limits on the maximum dose, and cracked down on imports of illegal pills. At the same time, Indian authorities tightened export regulations on tramadol.
Not long after this crackdown, Aveo Pharmaceuticals began to export a new pill based on tapentadol, an even stronger opioid, mixed with the muscle-relaxant carisoprodol.
West African officials are warning that opioid exporters appear to be using these new combination pills as a substitute for tramadol and to evade the crackdown.
n the Aveo factory there were cartons of the combination drugs stacked on top of each other, almost ceiling-high. On his desk, Vinod Sharma laid out packet after packet of the tapentadol-carisoprodol cocktail pills that the company markets under a range of names including Tafrodol, the most popular, as well as TimaKing and Super Royal-225.
He told the BBC's undercover team that "scientists" working in his factory could combine different drugs to "make a new product".
People outside the UK can watch the documentary on YouTube.
Aveo's new product is even more dangerous than the tramadol it has replaced. According to Dr Lekhansh Shukla, assistant professor at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in Bengaluru, India, tapentadol "gives the effects of an opioid" including very deep sleep.
"It could be deep enough that people don't breathe, and that leads to drug overdose," he explained. "And along with that, you are giving another agent, carisoprodol, which also gives very deep sleep, relaxation. It sounds like a very dangerous combination."
Carisoprodol has been banned in Europe because it is addictive. It is approved for use in the US but only for short periods of up to three weeks. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, and hallucinations.
Nigerian authorities store illegal drugs they have seized - mostly opioids - in a warehouse in Lagos
When mixed with tapentadol the withdrawal is even "more severe" compared to regular opioids, said Dr Shukla. "It's a fairly painful experience."
He said he knew of no clinical trials on the efficacy of this combination. Unlike tramadol, which is legal for use in limited doses, the tapentadol-carisoprodol cocktail "does not sound like a rational combination", he said. "This is not something that is licensed to be used in our country."
In India, pharmaceutical companies cannot legally manufacture and export unlicensed drugs unless these drugs meet the standards of the importing country. Aveo ships Tafrodol and similar products to Ghana, where this combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol is, according to Ghana's national Drug Enforcement Agency, unlicensed and illegal. By shipping Tafrodol to Ghana, Aveo is breaking Indian law.
We put these allegations to Vinod Sharma and Aveo Pharmaceuticals. They did not respond.
The Indian drugs regulator, the CDSCO, told us the Indian government recognises its responsibility towards global public health and is committed to ensuring India has a responsible and strong pharmaceutical regulatory system.
It added that exports from India to other countries are closely monitored and that recently tightened regulation is strictly enforced. It also called importing countries to support India's efforts by ensuring they had similarly strong regulatory systems.
The CDSCO stated it has taken up the matter with other countries, including those in West Africa, and is committed to working with them to prevent wrongdoing. The regulator said it will take immediate action against any pharmaceutical firm involved in malpractice.
The Ghanaian task force burned the drugs that it seized in the raid in Tamale, including this Aveo-branded Tafrodol
Aveo is not the only Indian company making and exporting unlicensed opioids. Publicly available export data suggest other pharma companies manufacture similar products, and drugs with different branding are widely available across West Africa.
These manufacturers are damaging the reputation of India's fast-growing pharmaceutical industry, which makes high-quality generic medicines upon which millions of people worldwide depend and manufactures vaccines which have saved millions of lives. The industry's exports are worth at least $28bn (£22bn) a year.
Speaking about his meeting with Sharma, the BBC's undercover operative, whose identity must remain concealed for his safety, says: "Nigerian journalists have been reporting on this opioid crisis for more than 20 years but finally, I was face to face… with one of the men at the root of Africa's opioid crisis, one of the men who actually makes this product and ships it into our countries by the container load. He knew the harm it was doing but he didn't seem to care… describing it simply as business."
Back in Tamale, Ghana, the BBC team followed the local task force on one final raid that turned up even more of Aveo's Tafrodol. That evening they gathered in a local park to burn the drugs they had seized.
"We are burning it in an open glare for everybody to see," said Zickay, one of the leaders, as the packets were doused in petrol and set ablaze, "so it sends a signal to the sellers and the suppliers: if they get you, they'll burn your drugs."
But even as the flames destroyed a few hundred packets of Tafrodol, the "sellers and suppliers" at the top of this chain, thousands of miles away in India, were churning out millions more - and getting rich on the profits of misery.
BBC Eye Investigations—BBC undercover filming exposes Indian pharma firm fueling opioid crisis
African Leaders: How Much Money Can You Chop?
Ghana's ex-finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta, was declared a fugitive by prosecutors.
Thomas Naadi | BBC News, Accra
Ghana's ex-finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta, declared a fugitive by prosecutors
Thomas Naadi | BBC News, AccraGhana's ex-finance minister declared a fugitive
The 66-year-old left Ghana on or around 2 January, prosecutors say
Ghana's former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been declared a fugitive by prosecutors for his alleged involvement in multiple corruption cases while in government.
Ofori-Atta had left Ghana to evade investigations, and all necessary steps would be taken to bring him back, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng said.
Ofori-Atta has been accused of causing financial losses to the state, including over a controversial national cathedral, which remains a hole in the ground despite the alleged spending of $58m (£46.6m) of government money.
Ofori-Atta has not commented on the allegations. According to Agyabeng, the ex-minister's lawyers said he was out of the country for medical reasons.
Agyabeng told a press conference that Ofori-Atta, 66, failed to attend an interview with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), despite being told he was a suspect.
Ofori-Atta left Ghana in early January, and had no intention of "willingly" returning, Agyabeng said.
The OSP was, therefore, declaring him a "wanted person".
"He is a fugitive from justice," the special prosecutor added.
Ofori-Atta was finance minister from January 2017 to February 2024, when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in power.
It lost elections in December to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
President John Mahama, who was inaugurated in January, went on to establish an investigative committee known as Operation Recover All Loot.
The committee has received over 200 complaints of corruption, amounting to more than $20bn in recoverable funds.
Mahama has directed the attorney general and minister of justice to launch investigations into these allegations, stating that Ghana will no longer be a safe haven for corruption.
However, some Ghanaians have criticized him for discontinuing cases against his former allies on trial.
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Why do African leaders often become indifferent to their people after gaining power? You are welcome to share your thoughts in the "Post Comments" section of the article.
Mahama Sworn in as Ghana’s President for a Third Time Against the Backdrop of an Economic Crisis
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — John Mahama was sworn in as president of Ghana for a third time Tuesday against the backdrop of the country’s worst economic crisis in a generation. Thousands of Ghanaians from all walks of life attended the ceremony in the capital.
AP | By Francis Kokutse | Updated 11:59 AM EST, January 7, 2025
Ghana's President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, waves after taking the oath of office at his inauguration, at the Independence Square in Accra, Ghana, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Credit: AP/Misper Apawu
AP | By Francis Kokutse | Updated 11:59 AM EST, January 7, 2025ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — John Mahama was president of Ghana for a third time Tuesday against the backdrop of the country’s worst economic crisis in a generation. Thousands of Ghanaians from all walks of life attended the ceremony in the capital.
Supporters of President John Dramani Mahama, attend his inauguration ceremony, at the Independence Square in Accra, Ghana, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Credit: AP/Misper Apawu
Mahama promised to “reset” the country on various fronts during a campaign that prioritized the economy and largely appealed to young Ghanaians who saw the vote as a way out of the country’s economic crisis.
Kenya's President William Ruto, centre, is seen among the guests attending Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama inauguration ceremony, at the Independence Square in Accra, Ghana, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Credit: AP/Misper Apawu
“There is a seismic shift happening within the system of global economic dominance,” he said Tuesday in his address at the Independence Square in Accra. ”Now more than ever before, we need to strengthen our ties with our neighbors to ensure that we are working together to keep our sub-region safe.”
Supporters of President John Dramani Mahama, attend his inauguration ceremony, at the Independence Square in Accra, Ghana, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)
Several African leaders attended the ceremony, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Kenya’s William Ruto, Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi, and Burkina Faso’s Capt. Ibrahim Traore.
Burkina Faso's President brahim Traoré, left, with, Botswana's President Duma Boko, and Guinea's President Mamady Doumbouya, seen among the guests attending Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama inauguration ceremony, at the Independence Square in Accra, Ghana, Tuesday, Jan.7, 2025. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)
In his address, Mahama said he will focus on economic restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment, as well as on good governance and the fight against corruption.
The election in December for both president and members of parliament was held against the backdrop of the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation and was seen as a litmus test for democracy in a region shaken by extremist violence and coups. West Africa’s regional bloc of ECOWAS said the election was generally peaceful, a continuing trend in Ghana.
Andrew Takyi, founder of a local fintech company, Zee Pay, told The Associated Press: “l am hopeful that President Mahama will use the 24-hour economy he campaigned on to improve the country. He can use that to widen the tax base of small and medium enterprises to improve revenue.”
Innocent Appiah, a senior media research officer at the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, said he expects the Mahama administration to “prioritize transparency and accountability in the extractive industry, ensuring that the PMMC plays a more effective role in regulating and monitoring the sector.”
“I anticipate policies that promote value addition, local content development, and community engagement, ultimately leading to increased revenue generation and socio-economic benefits for Ghanaians,” he said.
Enyonam Agble, a trader attending the inauguration, said: “There was so much corruption under President Akufo-Addo and all we want is the recovery of all that had been stolen to rebuild the country.”
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Burkinabe President, Ibrahim Traore greeted by the Burkinabe community living in Ghana during the inauguration of John Mahama.
This was how the President, Capt. Ibrahim Traore was greeted by the Burkinabe community living in Ghana during the inauguration of John Mahama. Burkinabes seem to love this young man and are proud of him. A new era in Africa has begun. John Mahama was sworn in on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as Ghana's president for the third time, as the country faces its worst economic crisis in a generation.
In doing all of this, Captain Traore never filled a stadium to make all of those promises like others do; he just came out and delivered basic services to the people of Burkina Faso. You can not like what he has done within a short period.
Ghana: Former President Jerry John Rawlings
The former President of Ghana passed away, November 12, 2020, after a brief illness.
Rawlings Background
Source: GhanaWeb
Dead Aged 73
November 12, 2020
Former President Jerry John Rawlings dead after a brief illness - Rawlings died aged 73: GhanaWeb can confirm. The former President of Ghana passed away, November 12, 2020.
According to state-owned Daily Graphic, the former President had been on admission at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for about a week for an undisclosed ailment. He was 73. Mr. Rawlings recently lost and buried his mother last month.
Jerry John Rawlings was born in Accra on June 22, 1947, to a Ghanaian mother from Dzelukope, near Keta, in the Volta Region, and a Scottish father.
Rawlings Background
Jerry John Rawlings was born in Accra on June 22, 1947, to a Ghanaian mother from Dzelukope, near Keta, in the Volta Region, and a Scottish father. Educate at Achimota School, where he obtained his General Certificate of Education 'O' Level in 1966.
He enlisted as a Flight Cadet in the Ghana Air Force in August 1967 and subsequently selected for officer cadet training at the Ghana Military Academy and Training School, Teshie, in Accra.
In March 1968, he was posted to Takoradi in the Western Region to continue his course.
He graduated in January 1969 as a commissioned Pilot Officer. He won the coveted "Speed Bird Trophy" as the best cadet in flying and airmanship.
Jerry John Rawlings: Political Life
He earned the rank of Flight-Lieutenant in April 1978. He was an efficient officer with a close rapport with his men.
During his service with the Ghana Air Force, he witnessed the deterioration of discipline and morale, reflecting the corruption of the regime of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) at that time.
As promotion brought him into contact with the privileged-class, and their social values, his awareness of the injustices in society takes shape.
He regarded with unease by the SMC. He read widely and discussed social and political ideas with a growing circle of like-minded friends and colleagues.
May 28, 1979: Flt.-Lt. Rawlings, together with six others, appeared before a General Court Martial in Accra, charged with leading a mutiny of junior officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces on May 15, 1979. There was a strong public reaction, especially after his statement had been read in court, explaining the social injustices that had prompted him to act.
The ranks of the Armed Forces, in particular, expressed deep sympathy with his stated aims. Flight-Lt, Rawlings, sprung from custody when scheduled for another court appearance on June 4, 1979. With the support of both military and civilians, he led a revolt, which decisively ousted the Supreme Military Council from office and brought the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) into being.
The AFRC, under the chairmanship of Flt. Lt. Rawlings carried out a "house-cleaning exercise" aimed at purging the Armed Forces and society at large of corruption and graft as well as restoring a sense of moral responsibility and the principles of accountability and probity in public life.
Meanwhile, following the program already set in motion before the June 4th uprising for civilian administration and general elections were held.
On September 24, 1979, the AFRC handed over to the civilian Government of the People's National Party (PNP) under President Hilla Limann.
On 31st. December 1981 Flt. Lt. Rawlings led a section of the Armed Forces to overthrow the PNP administration. A Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), composed of both civilian and military members, was established, with Flt-Lt. J.J. Rawlings as the Chairman.
His interests include reading, building model aircraft, horse-riding, and swimming. He is married to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings with whom he has four children - three girls and a boy.
Former President of Ghana: Jerry John Rawlings
Flt-Lt. Rawlings ceased to be a member of the Ghana Armed Forces effective September 14, 1992. He formed the National Democratic Congress, which contested and won the 1992 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. He and the party again won the 1996 elections. His term of office ended in the year 2000.
He is the joint recipient of the 1993 World Hunger Prize. He holds an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, and Lincoln University Doctorate Degree for Diplomacy and Development.