Indian Chemical Companies and Executive Charged in U.S. Fentanyl Precursor Trafficking Case

Two companies and a senior executive face allegations of supplying chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl to the U.S. and Mexico, fueling the opioid crisis.

• India-based Raxuter Chemicals, Athos Chemicals, and executive Bhavesh Lathiya have been indicted for conspiracy to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals into the U.S. and Mexico.
• Lathiya was arrested in New York City on January 4, 2025, and is being detained pending trial, facing up to 53 years in prison if convicted.
• The companies allegedly supplied precursor chemicals critical for fentanyl production, using deceptive practices like mislabeling packages to evade detection.
• Evidence includes undercover video calls where Lathiya discussed sales of banned chemicals and shipments falsely labeled as antacids or vitamins.
• The Justice Department emphasized its commitment to targeting global supply chains contributing to the fentanyl epidemic, which has devastated American communities.

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