Name Bhavesh Ranchorbhai Lathia. Age 37. Resident of Gujarat. The US court sentenced him to 54 months. But why? It was alleged against the Indian man that he used to smuggle toxic chemicals into the US, disguised as vitamins and antacids. In total, he was found guilty of smuggling more than 50 pounds of raw materials. It is known that he will be extradited to India after his release in 2031.
Bhavesh Lathia aka Bhavesh Bhai aka Bhavesh Patel was arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn. He was sentenced there. He was also fined 24 thousand 560 dollars (23 lakhs in Indian currency) in addition to the prison sentence of about four and a half years.
Bhavesh Lathia was the owner and founder of the company called Rexter Chemicals. The organization in Surat was smuggling to America. In all, they smuggled more than 50 pounds of chemicals. But finally Bhavesh was caught. He was arrested in January 2025. The punishment for this crime in the US is very severe. The maximum sentence can be 53 years. Bhavesh was found guilty last April.
During his sentencing, Judge Joseph Nocella Jr. said, “During a national crisis when hundreds of Americans were dying of fentanyl overdoses every day, Lathia smuggled and distributed various chemicals, including the key ingredient in the deadly drug. Without any regard for the harm that may be caused by his actions.” He also said that by announcing this sentence, a clear message has been given not only to him, but to the whole of this type of smuggling.