In Lagos, Nigeria, the shadow of a burgeoning opioid crisis looms large, fueled by an influx of tapentadol tablets from India. These potent synthetic opioids, banned in many wealthier nations, are readily available in blister packs at local kiosks and pharmacies, posing a significant threat to West Africa’s public health.
Customs records reveal the shipment of millions of dollars’worth of high-strength synthetic opioids from India to Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana each month.
The drugs are not only being sold individually but are also being mixed with the drug kush, exacerbating the crisis and prompting declarations of national emergency in several countries.
Despite India’s pledge to crack down on the trade, pharmaceutical firms continue to export tapentadol, some even labeled as “Harmless Medicines for Human Consumption. “.
An AFP investigation linked these exports to several Indian pharmaceutical companies, despite the country’s regulatory challenges.
The potent combination of tapentadol and kush is particularly dangerous, with authorities in Sierra Leone reporting a surge in deaths and addiction.
The crisis is overwhelming healthcare systems, which are already under immense pressure, and raising concerns about regional stability and social tensions.
In response to the crisis, the United Nations and the African Union have called for urgent action, emphasizing the need for strengthened border controls and international collaboration.
A coordinated effort involving governments, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and international organizations is vital to combat this epidemic and restore stability to the region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: AfricaNews
