Fentanyl threat: US denies visas to 'certain execs'

NEW DELHI: Announcing that it had revoked and denied visas of some Indians over fentanyl, the US embassy here said that stopping the flow of fentanyl, including its precursors, to US is one of America's top priorities and thanked the Indian govt for its close cooperation to combat this "shared challenge".

"Only by working together will our two govts address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs," said the embassy. "Together, we will build a safer, healthier, stronger future for America and India," it added.

As a result of this decision, the embassy said, these individuals and close family members may be ineligible for travel to US. The embassy said it's further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas.

"The US Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking . Individuals and organisations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the US, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the US," affirmed charge d'affaires Jorgan Andrews.

According to US authorities, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids remain the most lethal drugs trafficked into the country, causing more than 52,000 American deaths in a 12-month period ending in Oct 2024. A US intelligence report in March this year had said China remained the primary source country for illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill pressing equipment, followed by India.