Indian Businessman Arrested in the US for Supplying Fentanyl Precursors

New York: The U.S. authorities have indicted two Indian chemical companies, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., for allegedly supplying precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, a powerful opioid responsible for a major drug crisis in the U.S.

➡ Bhavesh Lathia, an Indian businessman, was arrested in New York on January 4, 2025.
➡ The companies allegedly disguised the chemicals as Vitamin C and antacids to evade customs checks.
➡ The precursors were reportedly supplied to Mexican cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, for fentanyl production.
➡ If convicted, Bhavesh Lathia could face up to 53 years in prison.

Fentanyl, which is 100 times more potent than morphine, is a leading cause of opioid-related deaths in the U.S. The case marks a significant step in American authorities’ crackdown on the illegal drug supply chain.

➡ In 2023, out of approximately 107,000 overdose deaths, around 70% were linked to opioids, with fentanyl being the primary cause. (dea.gov)

New York: U.S. authorities have unsealed two indictments charging India-based companies Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., along with Bhavesh Lathiya, a founder and senior executive of Raxuter Chemicals, for allegedly conspiring to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States.

➡ Bhavesh Lathiya was arrested on January 4 in New York City and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo in the Eastern District of New York. He has been ordered detained pending trial.

➡ The companies and Lathiya are accused of supplying precursor chemicals from India to the United States and Mexico, contributing to the fentanyl crisis.

➡ Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that the Justice Department is actively targeting the entire fentanyl trafficking network, ensuring accountability for those responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than morphine, has been a leading cause of drug-related deaths in the U.S. Authorities emphasize that this indictment is part of a broader crackdown on global fentanyl supply chains.