The US Embassy in India has revoked the visa of an Indian executive and family over involvement in trafficking of controlled substances, allegedly fentanyl precursors. In a post on X, the embassy said “Stopping the flow of fentanyl and its precursors into the United States is one of our highest priorities.” “We have revoked visas for company executives and family for the unlawful involvement in controlled substance trafficking, including fentanyl,” the embassy added. In the post, the embassy further warned that “those who facilitate the flow of illicit drugs into our country will not gain access to it”. In simple words, anyone involved in the trade of illegal drugs will be denied visa to the country.
What is Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain. It is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and is prescribed in controlled medical settings for cancer patients and post-surgery cases. The drug is available as patches, injections and lozenges.Illegally manufactured fentanyl has become a global concern. It is often mixed with heroin, cocaine or fake pills, sometimes without the user’s knowledge. Even a small dose can be fatal. Health agencies worldwide have linked fentanyl to a sharp rise in overdose deaths, especially in the United States and Canada.
Indian businessmen’s visa revoked by US
Revoking and subsequently denying visa for certain business executives and corporate leadership based on involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors, US embassy said that these actions are taken under section 221(i), section 212(a)(2)(C), and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. As a result of this, these individuals and close family members may be ineligible for travel to the United States. Chargé d’affaires Jorgan Andrews said “The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. Individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States”.In its press release, the US embassy also thanked Indian government for the cooperation. “We are grateful to our counterparts in the Government of India for their close cooperation to combat this shared challenge. Only by working together will our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs,” it said.
