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Indian Pharma Fuels Africa's 'Zombie Drug' and Opioid Crisis Despite Crackdown
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Health & Science

Indian Pharma Fuels Africa's 'Zombie Drug' and Opioid Crisis Despite Crackdown

From Dawn · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Despite India's vows to crack down on illicit drug trade, millions of dollars worth of tapentadol tablets continue to be exported to West Africa monthly.
  • These potent, unapproved synthetic opioid pills are fueling a deadly opioid crisis and are being mixed with the "zombie drug" kush, leading to widespread addiction and death.
  • Authorities in West African nations are struggling to cope with the escalating crisis, with bodies found daily in the streets, and addicts resorting to extreme measures for detoxification.

An investigation by Agence France-Presse reveals a disturbing reality: India, a global leader in generic drug manufacturing, is at the center of a burgeoning opioid crisis in West Africa. Despite New Delhi's declared "zero-tolerance" policy against illegal drug trading, millions of dollars worth of tapentadol, a powerful synthetic opioid not approved in many countries, are still being shipped to nations like Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana. This trade is not only exacerbating existing drug problems but is also contributing to the spread of the dangerous "zombie drug" kush, creating a deadly cocktail that is devastating communities. The article highlights the alarming practice of labeling these dangerous substances as "Harmless Medicines for Human Consumption," underscoring the deceptive nature of this illicit trade. The situation in West Africa is dire, with health officials reporting a daily toll of deaths and addiction, overwhelming limited resources for treatment and rehabilitation. The stark contrast between India's stated commitment to curbing drug exports and the continued flow of these harmful substances raises serious questions about the effectiveness of regulatory measures and enforcement.

They grind and mix it with kush.

— Ronald Abu BanguraA Freetown-based public health researcher explaining how tapentadol is being mixed with the "zombie drug" kush.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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