The former Managing Director of the Liberia Medicine and Health Regulatory Authority has disclosed that criminal networks in West Africa are increasingly replacing the importation of Tramadol with Tapentadol; a stronger opioid analgesic prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Recent reports indicate Sierra Leone has emerged as one of the region’s top importers of the drug.
Liberia banned the unregulated sale of Tramadol in August 2025, followed by Sierra Leone in December. In response, traffickers have shifted to Tapentadol, with most shipments originating from India. Shipment records show that in November 2025, approximately $40 million worth of Tapentadol tablets—at strengths of 225mg and 250mg—entered the West African market under multiple brand names. These dosages far exceed standard therapeutic requirements.
Pharmacist David Sumo said, importers often classify Tapentadol under HS codes 30049079 or 30049099, which cover medicines for therapeutic use, a tactic believed to obscure shipments from customs and security authorities. Analysts warn that the drug is frequently consumed alongside other illicit substances, including “Kush,” a synthetic drug linked to a growing public health crisis in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Medical experts stress that Tapentadol plays a vital role in clinically supervised pain management but should only be dispensed with a doctor’s prescription. Its availability over the counter raises serious risks, given the drug’s high potential for dependence and abuse. Reported side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and euphoric sensations that contribute to misuse and addiction.
Authorities caution that porous borders with neighboring countries, particularly Sierra Leone, could serve as transit points for Tapentadol entering Liberia. Security agencies are being urged to intensify monitoring and enforcement to prevent the drug’s proliferation and mitigate its impact on public health.
