'Targeting Every Link...' : Two Indian Companies Charged With Illegal Import Of Fentanyl- Details

Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals have been charged with criminal conspiracies to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States.

Owing to the charges Bhavesh Lathiya, a founder and senior executive of Raxuter Chemicals, was arrested in New York on January 4, 2025. US Magistrate for the Eastern District of New York, Judge Joseph A Marutollo has ordered detention, pending trial. If convicted, Lathiya can face a maximum penalty of 53 years in prison.

Charged With Distribution Of Fentanyl

This is probably the first time that Indian companies and their executives have been charged for the distribution and import of fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States. Most Chinese companies have been charged for such criminal conspiracies for the distribution and import of Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, which is considered to be the deadliest drug threat currently facing the US.

We allege these companies, and a company founder and senior executive who is now in custody, conspired to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals from India to the United States and Mexico, said Attorney General Merrick Garland on Saturday.

(We) will continue to take the fight against fentanyl directly to alleged foreign precursor chemical exporters like the companies and the individual indicted today because the best way to stop illicit fentanyl from killing Americans and devastating communities is by preventing it from being manufactured in the first place, said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, PTI reported.

The indictment was unsealed on Monday, on 6th January. Raxuter Chemicals and Lathiya are charged with conspiracy to distribute and import a listed chemical, distribution , and importation of a listed chemical knowing it would be used to manufacture fentanyl, smuggling, and other related offenses.

Athos Chemicals is charged with similar offenses, including conspiracy to distribute and import a listed chemical and distribution and importation of a listed chemical.

“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 Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, The US Department of Justice was quoted saying.

Why Is Fentanyl Dangerous?

Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fentanyl depresses the central nervous system and distorts the respiratory function. Exposure to fentanyl can be potentially fatal.