Yaha Masahudu
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
I don't deal drugs.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
As we pass through the tight streets, you see addicts who are clearly under the effects of these addictive and highly dangerous drugs. Some take them as painkillers, some to help them get through hard physical work, but many use them simply to get high.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
The task force detains several men and seizes hundreds of opioid pills. I'm told that this is an almost daily occurrence. So where are the pills coming from? All we have to go on are clues on the packets seized. A Made in India stamp and in the corner, a logo, an A with a leaf at the bottom. It's the same logo turning up on opioid pills on the streets of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
Pills that are a particularly dangerous combination of opioid and muscle relaxants. We tracked the manufacturer back to India in a company called Aveo Pharmaceuticals. An undercover operative agreed to go inside Aveo's factory, posing as a businessman looking to supply opioids to Nigeria.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
Vinod Sharma is one of the directors of EVU. He manages his factory outside Mumbai. After giving them a tour of the factory, they sit down to talk business.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
In India, any drug made only for export must comply with the requirements of the importing country. Ghana's drug authority told us this product does not meet their import requirements. By shipping these drugs to Ghana, EVEO is breaking Indian law. Back in Tamale, it's left for groups like the Citizens Task Force to tackle the opioid crisis.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
That evening, they gather in the local park to burn the drugs. But as they burn, production lines in India churn out millions more, driving a public health crisis across the whole of West Africa. We put these allegations to Vinod Sharma and Aveo Pharmaceuticals. They did not respond. The Indian drug regulator, the CDSCO, told us India recognizes its responsibility towards global public health.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
It said the country's drug regulatory system is strong and strict action will be taken against any pharmaceutical firm involved in malpractice. It called upon important countries to support India's efforts by enforcing similarly strong regulations.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
Here in my hometown of Tamale in northern Ghana, illegal opioids are destroying young lives. The problem has become so bad, locals have set up a task force to stop the dealers.
Global News Podcast
Israel checking Hamas claims that new body handed to Red Cross is Shiri Bibas
Bikoko runs a local bakery. He is also one of the task force leaders. Let's go. Today, they've had a tip-off. We are heading to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Tamale. What is happening right now is the task force is here to arrest the drug dealers.