Bhavesh Lathiya, Fentanyl Precursor Chemical Smuggling, New York 2024

Bhavesh Lathiya, 44, of Surat, India, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Brooklyn to distributing and smuggling fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States.

Lathiya was the leader and founder of Raxuter Chemicals, a company based in Surat, India, that illegally sold and smuggled more than 50 pounds of chemicals commonly used to manufacture fentanyl.

This guilty plea marks the first felony conviction of an India-based supplier of fentanyl precursor chemicals.

Tonight’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen.

Lathiya faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment when sentenced.

The fentanyl precursor chemicals, which are commonly used to manufacture the deadly opioid, were smuggled into the United States through various means, including by air and sea.

Law enforcement officials say that Lathiya’s actions played a significant role in fueling the opioid epidemic in the US.

Bhavesh Lathiya’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the fentanyl trade, and it marks a major milestone in the US government’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

As the Grimy Times continues to expose the dark underbelly of the fentanyl trade, we will keep a close eye on this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

The guilty plea was announced by the US Department of Justice, and it is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl trafficking.

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