Accra, Feb. 24, GNA – Samospharma Limited has denied allegations in a BBC Africa Eye report linking the company to unlicensed opioid imports, describing the claims as false and defamatory.
In a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, on Sunday, the pharmaceutical company said it suspected fraudulent use of its corporate identity and criminal impersonation.
The BBC report, published on February 21, alleged that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian company, was manufacturing unlicensed, highly addictive opioids and exporting them illegally to West Africa, contributing to a public health crisis in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. The report claimed that Aveo’s products contained a combination of tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant banned in Europe due to its addictive nature. These drugs were reportedly found for sale on the streets of West African cities, packaged to resemble legitimate medications, according to feeds.bbci.co.uk).
Samospharma stated that the BBC had alleged it had evidence of the company’s involvement in the trade of such opioids, which the company refuted when contacted.
“At no point did the BBC or its Africa Eye team enter our offices or facilities to verify their claims. This is scandalous and libelous,” the company said.
It also stated that it had never imported or traded in the mentioned opioids and remained compliant with regulations set by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other relevant bodies.
In response to the allegations, the company said it had taken legal action, including issuing a cease-and-desist order to the BBC and its partners, filing formal complaints with regulatory authorities, and preparing a defamation lawsuit.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to ethical business practices and called on the BBC to retract and correct its report.
Samospharma also condemned the illegal opioid trade and pledged support for efforts to combat drug abuse, stating that wrongful accusations diverted attention from prosecuting the real perpetrators.
GNA