The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has suspended the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification of Indian drug manufacturer Aveo Pharmaceuticals after a BBC Africa Eye investigation exposed its role in illegally exporting opioid-based medications to West Africa.
Through Westfin International, Aveo allegedly supplied unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol to Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The highly addictive opioids are linked to severe health risks, including respiratory failure and death.
In response, the FDA has ordered Ghana-based importer Samos Pharma to cut all ties with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International.
Additionally, it has halted the registration of six products from Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, which planned to use Aveo as a contract manufacturer.
Reaffirming its commitment to fighting opioid abuse, the FDA emphasized its ongoing enforcement actions, including drug seizures, fines, and prosecutions.
It assured the public of continued collaboration with law enforcement to prevent the influx of dangerous pharmaceuticals into Ghana.
This decisive move reinforces Ghana’s zero-tolerance stance on illicit drug trafficking and strengthens efforts to protect public health.
