New York, May 13: The United States has imposed a visa ban on 13 individuals associated with an Indian business, citing a shared commitment with India to combat drug trafficking. This business was already under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in the trafficking of the dangerous drug fentanyl. The announcement was made by Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, on Tuesday.
According to Pigott, these individuals are closely linked to KS International Traders and its owner. The company was reportedly profiting from the illegal trafficking of fentanyl, which former President Trump classified as a weapon of mass destruction.
“This action reflects the enduring commitment between the U.S. and India to dismantle illegal drug networks that harm individuals,” Pigott stated. However, he did not disclose the names of those affected by the visa ban.
The restrictions were implemented under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which prevents drug traffickers from entering the United States. In September, KS International Traders, along with its owner Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Sheikh and Sadik Abbas Habib Syed, were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. Both are Indian nationals.
As part of these sanctions, their assets were frozen, and any financial transactions within the U.S. were prohibited. The U.S. Treasury Department accused them of selling hundreds of thousands of counterfeit medications, including fentanyl and other narcotics, to individuals in the United States.
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