Crackdown on Illegal Opioid Export: FDA Takes Firm Action

The Maharashtra FDA has taken action against Aveo Pharmaceuticals for allegedly exporting opioids illegally. Following a BBC report, authorities seized drugs, stopped production, and initiated legal proceedings. In collaboration with central directives, further preventive measures include revoking export permissions for unapproved drug combinations.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has taken decisive steps against a pharmaceutical company accused of illegally exporting opioids. According to an official statement made public on Sunday, the actions were prompted by a BBC investigative report which pointed out that drugs like Tapentadol and Carisoprodol were being illegally sent to African countries where they are reportedly used for recreational purposes.

On Friday, following directions from the Central government, drug inspectors from both the Centre and state raided Aveo Pharmaceuticals, located in Palghar. The company has been accused of involvement in the unlawful export of these substances. In response, authorities seized all existing stock, halted further production, and commenced stringent legal proceedings against the company, as per the FDA's release.

The FDA has issued a show cause notice under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. Simultaneously, the Union government has advised all state governments to retract any previously issued export no objection certificates for unapproved combinations of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, in an effort to prevent similar misuse. Maharashtra's FDA is already putting these new directives into action to stop the illegal production and export of these drugs.