US revokes visas for Indian biz executives over fentanyl link

The US Embassy on Thursday said it has revoked and subsequently denied visas for “certain business executives” and “corporate leadership” over alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.

According to the US National Institute of Health, fentanyl is an opioid drug, similar to morphine or heroin, but manufactured entirely in laboratories with no natural ingredients. While it is approved as a prescription painkiller, most of the fentanyl driving the current overdose crisis is produced illegally.

The Embassy said as a result of its decision, the individuals concerned, along with their immediate family members, may be ineligible to travel to the US. “The Embassy is further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas,” it added.

Chargé d’affaires Jorgan Andrews said individuals and organisations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the US, as well as their families, “will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States”.

There was no immediate response from the Ministry of External Affairs. The Embassy also noted that the Trump administration has taken steps to confront the issue through a series of executive orders aimed at securing US borders, combating drug trafficking organisations, and pressing source countries to reform the flow of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals.