Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Illegal Opioid Trade Sparks Crisis in West Africa

2/21/2025

38 2

Summary

Story summary

An alarming investigation uncovers that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian company, is illegally producing and exporting addictive opioids, including a perilous mix of tapentadol and carisoprodol, to West Africa. This illicit trade is igniting a public health crisis in Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire, leaving local authorities grappling with rampant substance abuse among the youth.

1 of 1

Story summary

An alarming investigation uncovers that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian company, is illegally producing and exporting addictive opioids, including a perilous mix of tapentadol and carisoprodol, to West Africa. This illicit trade is igniting a public health crisis in Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire, leaving local authorities grappling with rampant substance abuse among the youth.