Sierra Leone Bans Tramadol Imports and High-Strength Forms

Sierra Leone Bans Tramadol Imports and High-Strength Forms

The Government of Sierra Leone has outlawed the importation, possession, and use of tramadol tablets, effective immediately, in response to escalating concerns about public health and safety stemming from widespread misuse.

Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, announced the decision at a press briefing in Freetown, stating it is a decisive measure to curb the increasing abuse of the drug, particularly among the youth.

The new directive, issued under Section 29(1) of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act of 2001, permits only tramadol 50 milligram capsules for oral use and 50 mg/mL injectable formulations strictly within recognized health facilities under professional supervision. All other strengths or formulations of tramadol are now illegal and subject to seizure.

The government asserts that high-strength tramadol misuse is directly linked to addiction, violent behavior, road traffic accidents, seizures, overdoses, and preventable deaths. Health authorities and law enforcement will collaborate to enforce the ban and remove illicit products from circulation.