U.S. implements visa cancellations for Indian business leaders implicated in illicit fentanyl distribution
In a significant move against illicit drug trafficking, the US Internal Revenue Services has charged an India-based chemical manufacturing company, Vasudha Pharma Chem Ltd (VPC), and three high-level employees in federal court in Washington DC. The charges include manufacturing, distributing, and attempting and conspiring for unlawful importation into the US of a List I fentanyl precursor chemical.
The US Department of Justice announced indictments against VPC and its Chief Global Business Officer of India and the UK, Tanweer Ahmed Mohamed Hussain Parkar, Marketing Director of India Venkata Naga Madhusudhan Raju Manthena, and Marketing Representative of India Krishna Vericharla, on January 4, 2023.
The US government has also taken action against Raxuter Chemicals, an India-based company, and Bhavesh Lathiya, a Founder and Senior Executive of Raxuter Chemicals. Lathiya was arrested in relation to these indictments.
The US Embassy in New Delhi expressed its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. Chargé d'affaires Jorgan Andrews stated, "Stopping the flow of fentanyl, including its precursors, to the US is one of our top priorities."
The US Embassy also emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the Government of India in combating this shared challenge. In a statement, the Embassy noted, "Only by working together will the two governments address this transnational threat and keep both their people safe from illicit drugs."
In addition to the indictments, the US government has revoked and denied visas for certain Indian business executives and corporate leadership. The US Embassy did not name the individuals whose visas were revoked, but confirmed they were Indians. The revoked visas were denied due to involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.
The US Embassy in India has flagged executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas. However, there are no available search results indicating that the US government has publicly identified or sanctioned any Indian business leaders or companies specifically for involvement in fentanyl precursor trafficking or subsequently suspended their visas.
The statement noted that the 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. The US Embassy expressed gratitude to the Government of India for their close cooperation in combating this issue.
The indictment was published on September 18, 2025. The US government may deny access to the United States to individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the US, along with their families. The US Embassy stated that the revocation and subsequent denial of visas announced on Thursday was part of their ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
