By Bl New Delhi
Copyright thehindubusinessline
The US has announced that it has revoked and subsequently denied visas for certain Indian business executives and corporate leadership based on involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.
“As a result of this decision, these individuals and close family members may be ineligible for travel to the United States. The Embassy is further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas,” per a statement issued by the US Embassy in India on Thursday.
The US Embassy did not name the persons whose visas were revoked but confirmed that they were Indians.
“The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. Individuals and organisations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States,” said Chargé d’affaires Jorgan Andrews.
In January this year, the US Department of Justice announced two indictments charging India-based companies Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, and Bhavesh Lathiya, a Founder and Senior Executive of Raxuter Chemicals, with criminal conspiracies to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States. Lathiya was arrested on January 4.
Two and a half months later, the US Internal Revenue Services issued a statement noting that an India-based chemical manufacturing company and three high-level employees were charged in federal court in Washington DC, related to illegally importing precursor chemicals used to make illicit fentanyl.
According to the indictment, Vasudha Pharma Chem Ltd (VPC), VPC Chief Global Business Officer Tanweer Ahmed Mohamed Hussain Parkar of India and the United Kingdom; VPC Marketing Director Venkata Naga Madhusudhan Raju Manthena of India; and VPC Marketing Representative Krishna Vericharla of India, were charged with multiple counts of manufacturing and distributing a List I fentanyl precursor chemical , and attempting and conspiring for unlawful importation into the US.
The US Embassy pointed out that its actions on revocation and subsequent denial of visas announced on Thursday was in furtherance to the Trump Administration’s efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics.
“Stopping the flow of fentanyl, including its precursors, to the United States is one of our top priorities. We are grateful to our counterparts in the Government of India for their close cooperation to combat this shared challenge. Only by working together will our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs,” the statement noted.
Published on September 18, 2025
