AHMEDABAD: A Gujarat-based businessman, Bhavesh Lathia, has been arrested in the US for allegedly producing fentanyl, a lethal synthetic drug tied to global trafficking networks. Lathia, linked to Surat’s Chemicals company, is accused of shipping fentanyl precursors illegally to Mexico's infamous Sinaloa Cartel and other drug syndicates.
Homeland Security Investigations apprehended Lathia following a probe into the chemical exports of his companies, uncovering their critical role in the deadly trade.
Bhavesh Lathia allegedly used false labelling tactics to smuggle dangerous chemicals disguised as harmless medicines. In June 2024, his company, Raxuter Chemicals, shipped a consignment to New York falsely labelled as vitamin C supplements to evade customs scrutiny. Months later, on November 23, 2024, another shipment, mislabeled as antacids, was sent out, concealing 20 kilograms of a Schedule I chemical used in fentanyl production.
Investigators have linked the shipment to Mexico’s drug cartels. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, continues to fuel a deadly drug crisis.
Patel’s arrest came after a meticulous sting operation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). In October 2024, an undercover HSI agent, posing as a customer, engaged Patel through email exchanges and video calls.
During these conversations, Patel boasted about the satisfaction of his Mexican clients and agreed to ship 20 kilograms of a precursor chemical to the U.S., openly admitting he would mislabel the package to avoid detection. Earlier, in February 2024, Patel had allegedly supplied 100 kilograms of the same chemical to a Mexican drug trafficker. These shipments played a crucial role in the large-scale production of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid fueling America’s escalating public health crisis.
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a key driver of drug overdose deaths in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The Web site said “Originally developed as a prescription medication for managing severe pain, particularly post-surgery or in patients tolerant to other opioids, fentanyl’s illegal production and misuse have surged. Tolerance, which occurs when higher doses are required to achieve the same effect, fuels its dependency risks. “
“Today, synthetic opioids like fentanyl dominate the U.S. drug crisis, underscoring their deadly grip on the overdose epidemic.” Website reads.