NEWS

FDA Halts Aveo Pharma Certification Amid Opioid Smuggling Scandal

FDA Suspends Certification of Aveo Pharmaceuticals Over Opioid Smuggling Scandal

Following an investigative report that revealed Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ involvement in the illegal distribution of opioid-containing medications throughout West Africa, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana formally suspended the pharmaceutical company’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification. Aveo Pharmaceuticals is based in India.

According to the BBC Africa Eye investigation, Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International exported illegal and potentially harmful medications, such as tapentadol and carisoprodol, to nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. These drugs, which are categorized as highly addictive opioids, provide serious health hazards, including as the possibility of lethal overdoses and severe respiratory distress when abused.

The FDA has ordered Ghanaian pharmaceutical importer Samos Pharma to immediately stop doing business with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International in reaction to the findings. The registration of six pharmaceutical items from Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, which planned to use Aveo Pharmaceuticals as a contract manufacturer, has also been delayed by regulatory bodies.

The FDA reiterated its steadfast dedication to combating the opioid crisis and stopping the illicit importation of dangerous medications into Ghana. To protect the public, regulatory measures include stricter legal actions against illegal drug distributors, product seizures, and increased surveillance are being stepped up.

This resolute move demonstrates Ghana’s strong position on drug control and enforcement, which is consistent with the government’s continuous attempts to stop illegal pharmaceutical activity. In order to protect public health by stopping the spread of illegal and potentially fatal drugs, the FDA is still collaborating closely with law enforcement.

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