Regulatory authorities have taken serious action after sealing a pharmaceutical factory in Nooriabad, Jamshoro, following the detection of illegal production of high-strength tramadol (225 mg) tablets a formulation whose registration and export permissions were earlier cancelled.

During a surprise inspection, officials from the national drug regulator discovered extensive quantities of finished packs, loose tablets, raw ingredients, active pharmaceutical materials, packaging, and printed items. These elements were found in areas of the facility that were not licensed for manufacturing, raising red flags about unlawful operations.

Inspectors also reported that manufacturing conditions inside the licensed sections were deeply concerning: hygiene was poor, equipment did not meet standard quality controls, and staff were working in unsafe environments. These breaches pointed to a failure to follow basic good manufacturing practices.

All areas linked to the illegal tramadol production were sealed immediately, including rooms used for raw material storage, machine operations, and packaging. Samples of the seized material have been collected for detailed testing, and the regulator has ordered an interim compliance report. The factory has been directed to halt all production without delay.

The investigation comes on the heels of a broader crackdown: earlier this year, the country’s drug regulator cancelled registrations for tramadol tablets of 225 mg and 250 mg. The move followed international alerts that large volumes of these high-dose opioids were being exported illegally, particularly to regions where abuse is rampant.

According to officials, the operation in Nooriabad appears to have been organized to support export markets. Evidence suggests that its production was not merely for local consumption, but aimed at international distribution — a troubling sign given the known risks of addiction and misuse associated with tramadol.

Authorities say this illegal production was only possible because raw material imports for tramadol had spiked to levels well beyond the country’s legitimate medical needs. Such imports provided cover for diversion of raw pharmaceutical components into illicit manufacturing.

The regulator has vowed to deepen the investigation. More raids, tighter inspections, and stricter control of raw material imports are expected. The case also raises critical questions about ongoing enforcement gaps, transparency in pharmaceutical supply chains, and the ethical responsibility of drug manufacturers.

For patients, policymakers, and the health sector at large, this is a stark reminder: even regulated medicines can turn into dangerous commodities when oversight is weak. The success of this crackdown will depend not just on enforcement but on sustained reform, institutional accountability, and a commitment to ensure public safety.