U.S. revokes visas of Indian executives linked to Fentanyl precursor smuggling

In a significant development, the U.S. Embassy on September 18, 2025, announced the revocation and denial of visas for several Indian business executives, linking them to criminal conspiracies involving the smuggling of fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States.

This follows charges levied earlier in January 2025 against two Indian firms, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, for their role in distributing chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl, a potent and dangerous synthetic opioid.

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Actions part of broader U.S. efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking

The embassy’s statement indicated that the actions were part of broader U.S. efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking. It also revealed that the family members of the implicated executives would face repercussions for their involvement in the narcotics trade. While the names of the individuals involved were not disclosed, the embassy emphasized that any future visa applications from executives linked to such companies would face increased scrutiny.

The move follows criminal conspiracy charges against Raxuter Chemicals' founder, Bhavesh Lathiya, and Athos Chemicals, both accused of knowingly supplying precursor chemicals to the U.S. and Mexico. These chemicals are integral to the illicit production of fentanyl, a drug that has contributed significantly to the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S.

The U.S. Embassy praised the cooperation of the Indian government in addressing the flow of fentanyl precursors and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding American citizens from the threat posed by synthetic narcotics.