Indian Firms Implicated In Fentanyl Precursor Smuggling By U.S. Authorities

Fentanyl vial labeled as opioid analgesic.

The U.S. charges two Indian companies from Gujarat for allegedly trafficking fentanyl precursors into America and Mexico, raising concerns over international supply chains fueling the opioid crisis.

At a Glance

Two Indian companies face charges for distributing fentanyl ingredients in the U.S. and Mexico.
A senior executive, Bhavesh Lathiya, is arrested and considered a flight risk.
The operation allegedly involved mislabeling chemicals to deceive authorities.
The Justice Department highlights its ongoing fight against the fentanyl production chain.

Indictment of Indian Chemical Companies

The U.S. Department of Justice has taken a significant step by indicting Athos Chemicals and Raxuter Chemicals from Gujarat, India. These companies are accused of importing fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States and Mexico. Such actions are at the core of the illicit synthetic opioid crisis plaguing America, as these substances are vital in producing fentanyl, a drug far more potent than traditional opioids like heroin or morphine.

Bhavesh Lathiya, a senior executive associated with Raxuter Chemicals, plays a critical role in this case. U.S. law enforcement authorities detained him in New York. Considered a flight risk and a danger to the community, Lathiya’s arrest emphasized the seriousness of the charges. Evidence suggests a network of illegal activities, including the mislabeling of chemicals and manipulating customs documentation to hide their activities.

Two Indian Chemical Companies and a Senior Executive Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals

🔗: https://t.co/arsgYh1JIk pic.twitter.com/jgendYN6Fn

— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) January 6, 2025

U.S. Crackdown on Fentanyl Supply Chains

The U.S. authorities continue targeting fentanyl trafficking supply chains contributing to widespread opioid-related deaths. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas stated, “Much of our nation’s illicit fentanyl crisis can be traced to bad actors overseas who knowingly and illegally traffic precursor chemicals to North America.” The efforts are directed at preventing fentanyl production before the chemicals reach destinations known for illegal narcotics production.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, “Much of our nation’s illicit fentanyl crisis can be traced to bad actors overseas who knowingly and illegally traffic precursor chemicals to North America.”

Since February 2024, deceptive practices reportedly involved mislabeling fentanyl precursors intended for distribution in both the U.S. and Mexico. Undercover operations revealed attempts to disguise these substances under misleading descriptions, such as antacids, using a complex network to evade detection.

Two Indian chemical companies have been indicted for allegedly importing ingredients for the highly addictive opioid fentanyl into the United States and Mexico, the U.S. Department of Justice said on Monday.

— CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) January 6, 2025

Legal Repercussions and Continuing Investigation

Lathiya faces charges that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 53 years if convicted. Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasizes the commitment of the Justice Department in its pledge to “hold accountable those who bear responsibility” for the devastating fentanyl crisis. Both Athos Chemicals and Raxuter Chemicals, alongside Lathiya, face charges of conspiracy to distribute, import listed chemicals, and additional smuggling-related offenses.

“The Justice Department is targeting every link in fentanyl trafficking supply chains that span countries and continents and too often end in tragedy in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Their operations, allegedly extending into Mexican drug trafficking territories, like those controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel, aimed to funnel these chemical precursors into illegal labs. This case illustrates the targeted crackdown efforts by U.S. law enforcement as they strive to curtail the sources fueling synthetic opioid epidemics by disrupting global illicit supply lines.