On Tuesday, Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested two individuals involved in the illegal export of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl and other banned psychotropic substances. These chemicals were being shipped to drug cartels in Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries.
The arrested individuals, connected to chemical and pharmaceutical companies in Surat, had unlawfully procured and exported the chemicals required for fentanyl production. The accused used counterfeit end-user certificates, fake invoices, and misdeclarations to evade detection by Customs and international narcotics agencies.
The substances in question, such as 1-Boc-4-piperidone and 4-piperidone, are listed on the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Red List and are monitored by India’s Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN). These chemicals are essential in the production of fentanyl, a potent and illegal substance in many countries.
The main suspect, Satishkumar Sutariya, the primary partner of Athos Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, Agrat Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, and S.R. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals in Surat, conspired with drug mafias in Mexico and Guatemala. Sutariya and his partner, Yuktakumari Ashishkumar Modi, were involved in the illicit export of these chemicals via air cargo by hiding the shipments.
The operation extended beyond fentanyl precursors. Agrat Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals also planned to export controlled substances like Act 4-Anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (ANPP) and N-Phenethyl-4-piperidone (NPP) to Guatemala’s J&C Import, a company suspected of links with the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.
The accused individuals are facing legal charges under sections 28, 29, and 30 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, along with sections 336(2), 340(2), and 350(1) of the Indian Penal Code. Investigations and legal actions are currently underway.
