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US indicts India firm for importing fentanyl chemicals
If convicted, the leadership faces up to 10 years in prison, while the firm could face substantial financial penalties.
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Bhavana P - Mon, 24, Mar 2025
- 13:36 EDT
- 185
Fentanyl precursors are displayed at Reuters' office in New York City. / REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
An Indian company and its executives have been indicted for illegally importing fentanyl precursor chemicals into the US, the Department of Justice said on March 20.
The defendants, Vasudha Pharma Chem Limited (VPC), chief global business officer Tanweer Ahmed Mohamed Hussain Parkar, 63; marketing director Venkata Naga Madhusudhan Raju Manthena, 48; and marketing representative Krishna Vericharla, 40, are charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute a listed chemical for unlawful importation.
Also read: Two Indian firms indicted in US for importing ingredients used in opioid fentanyl
According to the indictment, the defendants conspired between March and November 2024 to distribute N-BOC-4-piperidone (N-BOC-4P), a List I fentanyl precursor chemical, knowing it would be illegally imported into the United States. They allegedly sold 25 kilos of the chemical to an undercover agent between March and August 2024, then negotiated a larger sale of four metric tons to the United States and Mexico.
Parkar and Manthena were arrested by federal officials in New York City on March 20. If convicted, the individual defendants may face up to ten years in prison, while VPC could face a fine of up to $500,000.
The case is being probed by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Miami Field Division, as well as several federal and state agencies.
The case is being prosecuted by Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth, together with Trial Attorneys Jayce Born and Lernik Begian from the Justice Department's Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.
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