The former Managing Director of the Liberia Medicine and Health Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), Pharmacist David Sumo, has alarmed that some criminals are now replacing the importation of Tramadol with that of Tapentadol, a more potent opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain. According to him, recent reports have it that neighboring Sierra Leone is now one of the region’s top importers of Tapentadol.
Liberia in August of 2025 banned the unregulated sales of Tramadol. In December 2025, Sierra Leone also banned the sale of Tramadol. As a result of these bans, the importers have now switched from Tramadol to Tapentadol. The majority of Tapentadol shipments to the region originate from India.
According to shipment records, in November 2025 about US$40 million-worth of Tapentadol, 225mg and 250mg tablets, were shipped to the West African market under several brand names. These are tablets with strength which are far above the regular therapeutic dosage requirements.
Shipments are typically recorded under HS codes such as 30049079 or 30049099 (medicines for therapeutic use). This is usually intended to conceal from security quarries.
The former LMHRA boss explained that Tapentadol is often believed to be used alongside many other illicit substances, including “Kush”, a synthetic drug that has caused a public health crisis in the region, including Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Pharmacist Sumo pointed out that while Tapentadol is essential for clinically supervised pain management, the drug should only be available with a doctor’s prescription and not over-the-counter, due to its high potential for dependence and addiction.
He said the abuse and addiction to the drug is usually due to the side effects which normally include dizziness, sleepiness and a sense of “high” feelings.
The pharmacist warned that the borders with neighboring countries, such as Sierra Leone, should be seriously monitored because of the potential as transit points for Tapentadol being moved into Liberia.
