Washington DC: Two Indian companies, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, have been charged in the United States for criminal conspiracies to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals, which are used in the production of the deadly opioid fentanyl.
Bhavesh Lathiya, a senior executive and founder of Raxuter Chemicals, was arrested on January 4 in New York on charges related to the distribution and importation of fentanyl precursors. US Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo ordered Lathiya’s detention pending trial. If convicted, Lathiya could face up to 53 years in prison.
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This is believed to be the first time Indian companies and executives have been charged in connection with the fentanyl precursor chemical trade. Previously, most criminal charges for fentanyl-related activities have involved Chinese companies.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. It is one of the deadliest drugs currently threatening the United States.
Government officials respond to charges
Attorney General Merrick Garland commented, "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."
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas added, “The best way to stop illicit fentanyl from killing Americans and devastating communities is by preventing it from being manufactured in the first place.”
Charges against Raxuter and Athos Chemicals
The indictment, unsealed on Monday, accuses Raxuter Chemicals and Lathiya of conspiring to distribute and import a listed chemical used in fentanyl production, smuggling, and related offenses. Athos Chemicals faces similar charges, including conspiracy to distribute and import fentanyl precursors.
These legal actions highlight the US government's ongoing efforts to combat the growing fentanyl crisis and prevent the influx of precursor chemicals used to produce the opioid.
Agency
Published: 07 Jan 2025, 08:10 am IST
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