The U.S. Embassy announced a significant move against drug trafficking, revoking visas for several Indian business executives and corporate leaders. These individuals are accused of involvement in smuggling ingredients vital for the illegal production of fentanyl into the United States.
According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy, the consequences extend beyond the executives themselves, with their family members also facing repercussions for their role in the illicit drug trade. The Embassy emphasized its unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and acknowledged the support from the Indian government in these efforts.
Families and Executives Under Scrutiny
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jorgan Andrews reiterated the U.S.’s determination to protect Americans from dangerous synthetic narcotics. He warned that individuals and organizations involved in drug trafficking, including their families, could be denied entry into the United States. While specific names were not disclosed, the Embassy confirmed it is scrutinizing executives linked to companies known for trafficking fentanyl precursors, subjecting their visa applications to heightened review.
This announcement aligns with various U.S. executive orders aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks and urging source countries to reform their efforts against the flow of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals into the U.S.
Criminal Conspiracy Charges
This action builds upon charges filed in January 2025 against two Indian companies, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals. They were accused of criminal conspiracies to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States. Bhavesh Lathiya, a founder and senior executive of Raxuter Chemicals, was arrested in New York on January 4, 2025, in connection with smuggling these chemicals.
The U.S. Department of Justice, in charging Lathiya and the two companies, highlighted fentanyl as the “deadliest drug threat currently facing the United States.” Court filings alleged that the defendants supplied precursor chemicals to the U.S. and Mexico, fully aware they would be used to manufacture fentanyl, and utilized international mail and package carriers for their illicit shipments.
Mr. Lathiya’s arrest and charges came shortly before Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, a period when Trump had publicly pledged to intensify efforts against fentanyl trafficking if re-elected.