Two Indian companies charged with criminal conspiracies to import fentanyl precursor chemicals to U.S.

Tue Jan 07 08:29:10 UTC 2025: ## Indian Companies Indicted in US Fentanyl Precursor Case

**Washington, DC – January 7, 2025** – Two Indian chemical companies, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, have been indicted in the United States on charges of conspiring to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals. Bhavesh Lathiya, a founder and senior executive of Raxuter Chemicals, was arrested in New York on January 4th and is currently detained pending trial. He faces a maximum sentence of 53 years in prison.

This marks a significant development in the US fight against the opioid crisis, as it is believed to be the first time Indian companies have faced such charges. Previously, similar indictments have primarily targeted Chinese companies involved in the production and distribution of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the companies and Lathiya conspired to distribute and import precursor chemicals from India to the US and Mexico. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the administration’s commitment to tackling the fentanyl crisis at its source by targeting foreign exporters. The indictment alleges various offenses, including conspiracy and smuggling related to the distribution of listed chemicals used in fentanyl production. The case underscores the international nature of the fentanyl trade and the US government’s efforts to disrupt the supply chain.