Bhavesh Lathiya, leader and founder of Raxuter Chemicals in Surat, India, pleaded guilty on April 3 to distributing and smuggling chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl into the United States. The plea was entered in federal court in Brooklyn before United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen.
This case is significant as it marks the first felony conviction of an India-based supplier of fentanyl precursor chemicals. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York handles such federal crime prosecutions and represents civil matters for the district, according to the official website.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said, “The defendant admitted supplying the essential ingredients to make fentanyl, knowing just what they would be used for.” Nocella also said his office is committed to targeting every link in the fentanyl supply chain and will continue prosecuting those responsible for fueling opioid abuse across communities. He noted that protecting communities from fentanyl remains a top priority because it is now considered a leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 45.
Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations New York (HSI New York), said: “Fentanyl has devastated countless families and communities across our country. Homeland Security Investigations is using every available resource to dismantle the drug trafficking networks that smuggle this poison into our country. Today’s landmark plea demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the fentanyl supply chain at every level, both at home and abroad.”
Court filings show that Lathiya supplied precursor chemicals not only within the United States but also sent shipments to Mexico by mislabeling packages or falsifying customs forms. In one instance from June 2024 cited by prosecutors, a package shipped by Raxuter Chemicals arrived in Brooklyn with a manifest claiming its contents were Vitamin C; however, it actually contained a controlled substance used as a fentanyl precursor.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County as indicated on its official website according to its official website. The office maintains locations in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its official website.
Lathiya faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment when sentenced. This prosecution forms part of broader efforts under Executive Order 14159 aimed at eliminating transnational criminal organizations involved with drugs like fentanyl.
Breon Peace leads the U.S. Attorney’s Office for this district as noted on its official site. The office also supports community outreach initiatives and victim assistance efforts according to its official site.
