As per news on CNN, India is identified as one of the top suppliers of illicit fentanyl precursors, according to a US intelligence report. The report states that precursor chemicals for fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, are being shipped from India to America illegally.
Fentanyl has been making headlines in America recently, even becoming an election issue. It’s a powerful synthetic opioid that can be 100 times more potent than morphine. While morphine has long been used as a pain reliever for severe pain, fentanyl is significantly stronger and more dangerous.
Fentanyl has been entering the US through border countries like Mexico and Canada, leading to a significant number of Americans becoming addicted and dying from overdoses. After becoming president, Trump imposed heavy sanctions and increased tariffs on Canada and Mexico as punishment for allowing these substances to enter the US.
The shocking news is that Vasudha Pharma Chem Limited, a pharmaceutical company from Hyderabad, arranged to supply four metric tons of fentanyl precursors (raw materials needed to make fentanyl) to America and Mexico. US authorities arrested high-level employees of this company in New York.
The company was established in Hyderabad in 1994. Three high-level employees were arrested: Tanveer Ahmad Mohammed Hussain Parkar, Chief Global Business Officer (both Indian and UK citizen); Madhusudhan Raju Mantena, Marketing Director; and Krishna Varichela, Marketing Representative.
Federal agencies began investigating Indian pharmaceutical companies suspected of supplying fentanyl precursors to the US and neighboring countries. Undercover agents contacted these companies, including Vasudha Pharma. The company agreed to supply four metric tons to Mexico and two tons to America, despite knowing that importing these precursors is illegal in the US. The entire negotiation was recorded by the undercover agent.
This development is particularly disturbing as Hyderabad has become a globally recognized pharmaceutical hub. Recent years have seen Hyderabad pharma companies making enormous profits, especially during COVID.
