Washington, February 5: The United States has seized over 200 website domains linked to an international crime organization based in India that operates illegal online pharmacies. This action was taken by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
According to the DEA, this organization has been active in the U.S. and is allegedly responsible for at least six fatalities and four overdose cases. Starting from January 27, DEA officials conducted multiple operations across the country, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. Additionally, five immediate suspension orders and one notice to show cause were issued.
The DEA stated that these administrative actions are aimed at protecting public health and safety from threats posed by registered individuals. The operations led to the closure of over 200 online pharmacies accused of filling orders for hundreds of thousands of diverted pharmaceuticals and counterfeit pills without valid prescriptions.
Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the DEA regulates the handling, storage, and distribution of controlled substances by pharmacies. The CSA stipulates that pharmacies may only dispense controlled substances upon receiving a valid prescription issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a licensed practitioner.
The investigation revealed that operators of these online pharmacies and their co-conspirators were illegally selling and distributing diverted medications to customers across the U.S. without valid prescriptions, violating the CSA and dangerously infiltrating a distribution system designed to keep patients safe.
During the investigation, the DEA identified thousands of customers who had purchased medications through these online pharmacies. In support of this ongoing investigation, the DEA has sent out over 20,000 letters to the public requesting information.
The DEA’s statement highlighted that illegal online pharmacies often use U.S.-based website addresses and professional-looking designs to appear legitimate, while in reality, they operate unlawfully, deceiving American customers into believing they are purchasing safe, regulated medications.
The statement further noted, “Many of the sites shut down under Operation Meltdown claimed to be legitimate, U.S.-based, and FDA-approved, but the DEA’s investigation revealed that operators of these sites often collaborated with drug traffickers to fulfill online orders with counterfeit pills or improperly used medications. These counterfeit drugs are often made with fentanyl or methamphetamine and pose serious health risks, including harmful side effects, ineffective treatment, and even death.”
The DEA also mentioned that it actively collaborates with law enforcement partners in the Indian government to identify, investigate, and dismantle dangerous criminal organizations involved in such illegal drug trafficking operations.
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DCH/