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MetaculusNOV 23 2024
BBC: Indian Pharma Giant Fueling West African Opioid Crisis
Above: The facade entrance of the Phebe Hospital, Bong Town, central Liberia, is pictured on May 27, 2019. Image copyright: ZOOM DOSSO/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals has allegedly been manufacturing and illegally exporting unlicensed opioids to West Africa, containing a combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol not approved for use anywhere in the world and that can cause fatal overdoses.
BBC's undercover investigation appeared to capture one of Aveo's directors, Vinod Sharma, acknowledging the drugs' harmful effects while promoting their sale, stating, "This is very harmful for health, but nowadays, this is business."
The opioid crisis affects approximately 4M Nigerians, with the BBC claiming Aveo and its sister company, Westfin International, ship millions of tablets to Ghana and other West African countries through various distribution networks.
The Spin
Narrative A
India has a strong pharmaceutical regulatory system, and exports to other countries are closely monitored. The importing countries should also ensure they have similarly responsible regulatory systems rather than doubt India's manufacturers providing essential medications to millions worldwide through legitimate channels.
Narrative B
By exploiting regulatory weaknesses in vulnerable nations, Aveo's illegal opioid trade is devastating communities across West Africa and destroying young lives, while knowingly profiting from human suffering. The world, especially the West, must exert stronger diplomatic pressure on India to hold Aveo accountable.