The American embassy in Delhi has taken action, revoking the visas of Indian business leaders and their families due to alleged connections to the trafficking of fentanyl precursors. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is a major contributor to the drug crisis in the United States. The embassy’s announcement did not name any specific individuals. However, it stated that those involved, alongside their immediate family members, would be barred from entering the United States. The embassy also stated that it will highlight cases where corporate executives are found to have trafficked fentanyl precursors. The U.S. embassy in Delhi is firmly committed to fighting drug trafficking. It made clear that individuals and groups involved in the illicit production and distribution of drugs to the United States will face consequences, potentially including a ban on entering the country for them and their families. The embassy also acknowledged the close cooperation of the Indian government in tackling this shared problem. Both governments recognize that only by working together can they effectively counter this global threat and protect their citizens from illegal drugs. Fentanyl, which can be produced in large quantities, is about 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl has been identified by U.S. officials as ‘the leading cause of death among people ages 18-45,’ also implicating China as the main source for all fentanyl-related substances entering the country. Tariffs were introduced on Chinese goods by the U.S. President, along with tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, to limit the flow of fentanyl. The drug, approved for medical use since the 1960s, is now a major cause of opioid-related deaths in the United States, with over 48,000 deaths in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A single dose of two milligrams can be fatal.
US Cancels Visas of Indian Businesspeople and Families Over Fentanyl Precursor Trafficking
