WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Hyderabad, India-based chemical manufacturer Vasudha Pharma Chem Limited (VPC) and three of its top executives for purportedly importing precursor chemicals that were used to make illicit fentanyl. The charges, announced on March 20, are part of an overall federal move to counter fentanyl trafficking.
Two VPC officials were arrested in New York City by federal agents: 63 year old Tanweer Ahmed Mohamed Hussain Parkar, who is the Chief Global Business Officer of the company, and 48 year old Venkata Naga Madhusudhan Raju Manthena, its Director of Marketing. A third executive, 40 year old Krishna Vericharla, a marketing representative, is on the loose.
Between March 2024 and November 2024, VPC is alleged to have conspired to produce and sell fentanyl precursor chemicals, knowing the chemicals would be illegally imported into the United States for use in making fentanyl, per the indictment. VPC is accused of selling the chemicals on its website, promotional literature, and at overseas trade shows.
Between that time, undercover U.S. agents reportedly bought 25 kilograms of fentanyl precursors from VPC. Additional August-September 2024 negotiations included a suggested agreement for four metric tons of the chemical N-BOC-4-piperidone (N-BOC-4P), where half was to go to Sinaloa, Mexico, and the other half to the United States, for $380,000.
On conviction, the accused persons may either be sent to prison for up to 10 years or VPC may be fined a maximum of $500,000 per charge. Investigation into VPC’s involvement in the illegal drug trade continues.
