NEW YORK: Two Indian chemical companies, Athos Chemicals and Raxuter Chemicals, based in Gujarat, are facing fentanyl trafficking charges in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice announced their indictment on Monday for allegedly supplying precursor chemicals used in the production of the highly addictive opioid fentanyl.

Also Read: DAMAC’s Hussain Sajwani announces $20 billion US investment

Raxuter’s senior executive, Bhavesh Lathiya, 36, was arrested in New York and charged with smuggling and introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. Prosecutors argue Lathiya is a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and has significantly fuelled the opioid crisis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that opioids caused 82,000 deaths in 2022.

The indictment claims that since February 2024, Athos and Raxuter knowingly supplied precursor chemicals for fentanyl production, concealing their actions by falsifying customs documents and mislabeling shipments. In one instance, Lathiya allegedly agreed to sell 20 kilograms of 1-boc-4-piperidone to an undercover agent, suggesting it be disguised as an antacid. Another indictment details Athos arranging the sale of 100 kilograms of the same chemical to a Mexican drug trafficker.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasised the Justice Department’s commitment to disrupting international supply chains that fuel fentanyl-related deaths in the U.S.

Also Read: New study finds ‘forever chemicals’ in European mineral waters

If convicted, Lathiya faces up to 53 years in prison. Both companies have yet to respond to the allegations.

These fentanyl trafficking charges highlight the global reach of the opioid crisis and the U.S. government’s focus on holding all contributors accountable.

-Agencies