Pakistan, May 14 -- Millions of opioid tablets manufactured in India are reportedly worsening a growing drug crisis across West and Central Africa, where officials say the medicines are being misused and contributing to rising addiction rates, overdoses and deaths.

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According to an investigation by AFP, high-strength tapentadol tablets are being widely sold in roadside kiosks, informal pharmacies and black markets in countries including Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana. The synthetic opioid, which is significantly stronger than commonly prescribed painkillers, has not been approved at such high doses by major global regulators.

Authorities and health experts say the pills ar...