US Revokes Visas of Indian Executives Over Fentanyl Precursor Trafficking Allegations

U.S. Takes Action Against Indian Executives

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi announced on Thursday, September 18, 2025, that it has revoked and subsequently denied visas for a number of Indian business executives and corporate leadership, as well as their family members. The embassy stated that these actions were taken due to the individuals' alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors into the United States.

While the U.S. Embassy did not disclose the names of the affected individuals or companies, it emphasized that such measures are a direct consequence of their alleged links to illicit drug trafficking. The decision renders these individuals and their close family members potentially ineligible for travel to the United States.

Legal Basis and Official Stance

The visa revocations were carried out pursuant to sections 221(i), 212(a)(2)(C), and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Chargé d'affaires Jorgan Andrews of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi affirmed the U.S. mission's unwavering commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking.

Andrews stated, 'Individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States.' The embassy also warned that executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors would face heightened scrutiny if they apply for U.S. visas in the future.

Part of Broader Anti-Fentanyl Efforts

This move is described as being 'in furtherance of the Trump Administration's efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics.' Stopping the flow of fentanyl, including its precursors, to the United States is a top priority for the U.S. government, which has been intensifying its crackdown on the global supply chain of synthetic narcotics.

The U.S. Embassy expressed gratitude for the close cooperation received from the Government of India in addressing this shared challenge, highlighting that collaborative efforts are essential to combat this transnational threat and protect both nations from illicit drugs.

Previous Related Indictments

These visa actions follow earlier legal proceedings initiated by the U.S. Justice Department. In January 2025, two India-based companies, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, along with Bhavesh Lathiya, a founder and senior executive of Raxuter Chemicals, were charged with criminal conspiracies to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals into the U.S. and Mexico. Lathiya was subsequently arrested in New York City.

Furthermore, in March 2025, another India-based chemical manufacturing company, Vasudha Pharma Chem Limited (VPC), and three of its high-level employees—Tanweer Ahmed Mohamed Hussain Parkar, Venkata Naga Madhusudhan Raju Manthena, and Krishna Vericharla—were charged in federal court in Washington, D.C., for unlawfully importing fentanyl precursor chemicals.