New Delhi: India is under fresh scrutiny for its export of potent opioid medications to West African nations. Reports indicate that millions of tapentadol tablets, produced by Indian pharmaceutical companies, are stoking a rising addiction crisis in the region.
Investigations reveal that large shipments of tapentadol, a synthetic opioid even stronger than tramadol, continue to reach countries like Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, despite efforts by Indian authorities to regulate these exports. Officials from these countries allege that many of these drugs are either unapproved or illegal.
Health expert Dr. Tamorish Kole explained that while tapentadol is legally manufactured and used for moderate to severe pain, India banned the production and export of its combination with carisoprodol in 2025 due to abuse concerns in West Africa.
This controversy raises serious questions about India’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the world,” thanks to its vast generic drug industry. Dr. Rajan Sharma, former president of the Indian Medical Association, cautioned that claims of illegal opioid exports could tarnish India’s global standing and lead to stricter international oversight.
The investigation also revealed that some shipments were misleadingly labeled as “harmless medicines for human consumption.” These consignments have been traced back to manufacturers in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
In response to global backlash, India implemented a “zero-tolerance” policy on illegal pharmaceutical exports in 2025, with plans for the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to revoke clearances for medications not approved by the importing nation.
However, Dr. Sharma points out that enforcement gaps remain a significant challenge. He emphasizes that while India has a solid regulatory framework, better coordination between central and state regulators is necessary for effective monitoring, especially for high-risk medicines.
With India’s pharmaceutical industry generally trusted for offering affordable medications, any exploitation of regulatory loopholes in poorer countries could severely damage its credibility.
In Africa, governments are increasingly alarmed by the misuse of tapentadol, especially among young people and laborers. Authorities in Sierra Leone and Nigeria report that the drug is being mixed with “kush,” a deadly street narcotic that has fueled rising addiction and fatalities.
This concerning trend highlights the need for enhanced collaboration and stricter regulations to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that pharmaceutical practices are transparent and accountable.
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