US Revokes Visas of Indian Executives Over Fentanyl Precursor Trafficking
The US embassy in India has revoked and denied visas for several Indian business executives and corporate leaders accused of involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors—chemicals used to produce the powerful synthetic opioid that has fueled America’s overdose crisis.
US Embassy Confirms Visa Revocations
In a statement released Thursday, the embassy said the action applies not only to the executives but also to their close family members, who “may be ineligible for travel” to the United States. It added that individuals linked to companies involved in trafficking fentanyl precursors would face stricter scrutiny if they applied for visas in the future.
While no names were disclosed, officials confirmed that those targeted are Indian nationals.
“The US embassy in New Delhi is committed to fighting illicit drug trafficking,” said Jorgan Andrews, chargé d’affaires. “Those involved—and their families—may face consequences that include being denied access to the United States.”
Part of Trump Administration’s Crackdown
The embassy emphasized that the decision is part of the Trump administration’s wider campaign to stop the flow of synthetic narcotics into the US. The move is backed by the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows travel bans in cases tied to drug trafficking.
Stopping the spread of fentanyl and its precursors, the statement said, is a “top priority”, with US officials expressing gratitude to India for its cooperation in tackling the shared challenge.
Indian Companies Under Investigation
The move comes after multiple US indictments against Indian firms accused of producing or exporting fentanyl precursors:
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In January, the US Department of Justice charged Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, along with Bhavesh Lathiya, a senior Raxuter executive, with conspiring to distribute fentanyl precursors. Lathiya was arrested on January 4.
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In March, federal prosecutors in Washington charged Vasudha Pharma Chem Ltd and three of its senior employees with illegally manufacturing and distributing fentanyl precursors, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
India Named Among Major Drug-Producing Nations
Earlier this week, President Trump told Congress that India was among 23 countries identified as major drug transit or illicit drug-producing nations. He stressed that the designation “does not reflect governments’ counter-drug efforts” but highlights the seriousness of the issue.